People's Daily HQ: A Modern Marvel Reflecting Chinese Tradition

ZHOU Qi Studio's High-Rise Building Marries Contemporary Design with Cultural Heritage

The building's unique form is a result of cutting an ellipsoid with three hyperboloids, creating a streamlined body with no dead points from any viewing angle. The outer supporter is covered with glazed terracotta, a material traditionally used in Chinese temples, adding a touch of cultural heritage to the modern structure.

The design process involved the use of various software, including Auto CAD, Rhinoceros, Sketchup, Photoshop CS, Indesign, and Vray. The building's structural performance was tested through wind tunnel fluid tests, earthquake simulation tests, material frost resistance tests, and material strength tests. The result is a structure that stands tall at 179.7 meters, with 33 floors above ground and three below, covering a total area of 88,856 square meters.

The People's Daily HQ is not just a building; it's an interaction of form and function. The form of the building, derived from the Chinese character for "People", is harmonious with its surroundings. The use of traditional Chinese materials, such as glazed terracotta, adds a cultural touch to the modern design. The building has been one of the most significant constructions in Beijing since the 2008 Olympic Games.

The project, proposed in 2009 and completed in 2015, presented several creative challenges. One of the major challenges was fulfilling the curved glass curtain wall and covering the outer supporters with glazed ceramics. The solution involved plugging glass unit plates with movable joints and using high-strength cables to fix the glazed ceramics. These cables, lighter and more flexible than steel tubes, performed well during earthquake simulations.

The People's Daily HQ is more than an architectural marvel; it's a symbol of the city's rapid urbanization process. It stands out from the typical box-like structures, exploring the possibility of city morphology diversity. The building is cost-effective, use-effective, and harmonious with its surroundings. Its streamlined body is a perfect embodiment of the traditional Chinese philosophy "Tian yuan di fang", representing the wisdom of the Orient.

The design has been recognized with a Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2016. This prestigious award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.