Xinxi-Center, Fuzhou

In Fuzhou, an important port city in the south-east of China, the new Min River North Bank central business district is currently being developed. The architects von Gerkan, Marg and Partners (gmp) have been directly commissioned by the local property development company, Fuzhou QiaoChengXinxi Project Company, to build a high-rise office block with cultural functions at the northern bank of the Min River. It will be one of seven high-rise buildings surrounding a new public park that opens towards the riverbank. The new building by gmp strikes a balance between the highest tower block in the center at 360 meters and the neighboring building at 180 meters. A wide plinth building with galleries, a youth and cultural center, cinemas, and gastronomic facilities links the building to the city. Together, the tower and the plinth frame a plaza oriented towards the north. To the east, a pedestrian bridge provides access to the new public park that is at the level of the building’s second floor. Various recesses in the facade are arranged offset at different levels, forming terraces. As in the plinth building, the three top floors are reserved for semi-public functions such as cultural activities, exhibitions, and sports.