The new complex is a twin tower development. Tower 1 is one of the top ten tallest towers in Wuhan at 242.9m high, the uppermost floors will serve as the client’s new headquarters (Greatwall Construction). Tower 2 is trademarked by FedEx, which occupies the top floors of the tower. Together both buildings provide GFA 90,000sqm (Podium GFA is circa 20,000sqm) of Grade A office space. The twin towers are linked by 4 floors of podium containing retail and F&B space. The development provides underground parking for 1,200 spaces.

Greatwall Complex has achieved LEED Platinum Certification for Building Design & Construction: Core & Shell.

Greatwall Construction and the government outlined a vision for the new development which carefully considered the relationship of the lower podium with the surrounding city context. The key requirements were to provide a positive addition to the streetscape, engage with the existing urban realm, and create new public space.

The principle project aim was to create a new dynamic and iconic working environment for the city of Wuhan, which would attract high-end tenants, facilitate the ongoing regeneration of the district, and raise the profile of the recently designated financial core of Wuhan.
To address the client’s vision above, 10 Design worked with the client’s team and the local government to maximize the potential of the podium spaces and their relationship with the streetscape of Zhongbei Road.

Through the testing of possible site solutions, the principle of allowing the pedestrian streetscape to extend upwards along the face of the podium was embraced, providing valuable south-east facing F&B terraces and the city with unique and accessible public space.

Through careful consideration of the relationship between internal and external circulation within the podium, 10 Design animated the façade with active terraces and circulation space as opposed to the traditional blank solid face of retail malls. The concept of the accessible and active façade begins with a sunken plaza space at B1, providing sheltered external café space and access to B1 retail space, including a supermarket and food court. The sunken plaza allows the lower levels to actively engage with the cityscape.

The start of the journey upwards along the façade from level one is defined by an amphitheater space facing south, which provides external seating space all year round for the public and performance space during the weekends. The transition between each level along the eastern façade is articulated by grand stair spaces, animated by small terrace garden spaces and art installations.