Explore the Stunning New Xi'an Centre Culture Business District by Heatherwick Studio

Heatherwick Studio's New Xi'an District

UK architecture firm Heatherwick Studio has unveiled an impressive new commercial district in Xi'an, China, featuring a series of cascading volumes and a remarkable vertical park. Located just south of the historic city center, this innovative project spans 155,000 square meters and integrates ceramic tiles that pay homage to the city's rich craftsmanship and ceramics tradition.

The district is designed not just for functionality but as an extraordinary public space that encourages community interaction. Heatherwick emphasized the aim to create a three-dimensional urban landscape that allows citizens to connect and enjoy their surroundings.

Key Features

• Central Plaza: At the heart of the district lies a large central plaza, crowned by the Xi'an Tree, a 57-meter tall vertical park composed of 56 stepped terraces resembling the petals of a flower.
• Cascading Rooftops: The design includes interconnected volumes with cascading rooftops inspired by the traditional roofs of Xi'an's temples, creating a visually striking skyline.
• Local Craftsmanship: Over 100,000 handmade tiles from local artisans adorn the buildings, enhancing the sensory experience for pedestrians.

Community Focus

Heatherwick Studio's vision was to respond joyfully and contemporarily to Xi'an's history, promoting communal spaces where people can gather and interact. The project includes green areas, plazas, and terraces, fostering a vibrant urban environment.

Inside the District

The interiors feature large glazed openings that overlook the plaza and lush rooftop gardens with various skylights, allowing natural light to illuminate the spaces below.

This ambitious project exemplifies how architecture can enhance urban life by creating engaging, people-centric environments.

Photography by Qingyan Zhu