The Galaxy SOHO project in the heart of Beijing covers an area of 330,000 m² of offices, shops, and an entertainment complex, which forms an integral part of urban life inspired by the grand scale of Beijing. The architecture consists of five interconnected shapes that separate, merge, or connect through bridges. The individual parts adapt to each other, creating an architectural panorama without any sharp corners or abrupt transitions that would disrupt the fluidity of the overall composition.
The expansive internal courtyards in the project reflect traditional Chinese architecture, where the courtyard represents a continuous world of open spaces. The architecture here is not made of rigid blocks, but instead consists of individual pieces that blend together, creating a cohesive environment of mutual adaptation and flowing movement between the individual objects. The shifting height levels in the design influenced the creation of depth and immersion into the envelope. As visitors move deeper into the building, they discover more intimate spaces that emerge from the same formal logic of continuous curves.
The lower three floors of Galaxy SOHO consist of public retail and entertainment spaces. The upper floors provide an administrative environment for gathering creative entrepreneurs. The tops of the buildings are dedicated to bars, restaurants, and cafes that offer views of one of the largest avenues in the city. These different functions are interconnected through inviting interiors that relate to the city, solidifying Galaxy SOHO as one of the most significant spots in Beijing.
Zaha Hadid Architects
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