Laying the cornerstone of China CITIC Bank by Norman Foster

On Tuesday, April 26, the cornerstone of the headquarters of China CITIC Bank, a lending bank, was laid in the eight-million-strong Chinese metropolis of Hangzhou. The hundred-meter building in the newly emerging business district on the banks of the Qianjiang River was designed by London architect Norman Foster, who drew inspiration from the classic vessels Dou and Ding, which in Chinese mythology are associated with wealth, seriousness, strength, and are meant to ensure good karma.
The most prominent feature of the entire design is undoubtedly the southern facade with striking steel beams that create dramatically perforated giant triangular surfaces. At the lower part of the building, there is a 30-meter high and 72-meter wide recessed triangular entrance leading into the diamond atrium, which rises through all 20 floors. Besides serving as a visual connection across the building, the giant atrium also aims to enhance natural ventilation.