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Steven Holl Thinks Big in China

The firm's upcoming work includes the Linked Hybrid mixed-use project in Beijing and the Vanke Center in Shenzhen.

Nicholas Tamarin -- Interior Design, 2/26/2008 12:00:00 AM

If you happen upon the overachievers at Steven Holl Architects, don’t be surprised to find them huddling over a Mandarin edition of Berlitz. The New York-based firm is speeding ahead with plans for four major projects in China, all due within the next two years.

First is the Linked Hybrid mixed-use project in Beijing, home to Holl’s second office. Scheduled for completion by this Summer, the 2.5-million-square-foot complex adjacent to Beijing’s old city wall is designed as a self-contained city, able to support 2,500-plus residents with more than 700 apartments in eight linked towers

The next ribbon cutting occurs late this year at the Nanjing Museum of Art & Architecture, which will act as the gateway to the Contemporary International Practical Exhibition of Architecture. The museum's color scheme will be limited to black and white, not only to reflect the ancient Chinese ink paintings, but also to provide a neutral background for the museum’s exhibitions.

Next summer brings the opening of another mixed-use project, this time on the South China Sea. The Vanke Center in Shenzhen, a sustainable building designed as a floating horizontal skyscraper, will contain a conference center, hotel, apartments, and offices. Final project on the boards is Chengdu, yet another mixed-use development, scheduled to open in late 2010.

The mixed-use Vanke Center in Shenzen, China is due for completion in 2009.

Rendering courtesy of Steven Holl Architects