Architectural Cases

In a groundbreaking architectural endeavor, the design studio Weico has finalized the expansive new corporate campus for the electric car manufacturer XPeng, situated in China's vibrant city of Guangzhou. This significant development, nestled within the Tianhe district, is conceptualized as a home for approximately 13,000 members of the company's workforce, showcasing a unique design where the roofline distinctly forms the letter 'X', mirroring the brand's identity.

The campus is composed of two angular administrative structures, subtly increasing in elevation towards the northern side of the premises. These buildings are thoughtfully arranged around verdant courtyards, which are adorned with multiple terraced levels, mature trees, and tiered seating zones, alongside a dedicated five-a-side football pitch for recreational activities. A low-lying structure, featuring its own landscaped terrace, bridges these two main blocks, with generous staircases integrated along the facades, offering informal gathering and relaxation areas.

Beyond conventional office spaces, this headquarters is a comprehensive hub incorporating advanced research and development facilities, welcoming reception areas, and interactive showrooms, including a state-of-the-art testing center. The ground level hosts an array of public-facing services accessible via a central axis, such as conference facilities, an exhibition hall, sales points, a fitness center, a post office, and even a small medical clinic. A significant portion of the main office building's extensive 50,000-square-meter basement is dedicated to a staff dining area, illuminated by natural light filtering through four strategically placed central courtyards, ensuring a bright and airy environment within the subterranean space. Furthermore, a substantial underground passage links the complex directly to the nearby Cencun subway station, enhancing accessibility.

This architectural masterpiece embodies a forward-thinking vision, transcending the traditional confines of a corporate office to become a 'super connector' in the realm of AI-driven smart mobility. It seamlessly merges innovative design with industrial research, bridging artificial intelligence exploration with practical societal applications. Such an integrated approach fosters an environment ripe for stimulating creativity and maintaining a close connection to the evolving consumer market, demonstrating how modern corporate architecture can serve as a catalyst for progress and human well-being within a dynamic professional setting.

Experience Toronto's Horizon Anew: A Biophilic Journey at the CN Tower's Renovated Observation Deck

Elevating the Sky-High Experience: A Visionary Renovation of the CN Tower's Observation Deck

The Lower Observation Level of the CN Tower in downtown Toronto has been dramatically re-envisioned through the combined expertise of Boszko & Verity and Superkül. This extensive renovation introduces a distinctive "undulating biophilic ceiling system," perched 1,200 feet above the ground, fundamentally altering the interior's aesthetic. The design team meticulously updated the space, replacing glass flooring and incorporating new enclosure elements. A key feature of this revamp is the finned ceiling, conceived to immerse visitors in a "treetop" atmosphere, blurring the lines between urban marvel and natural serenity.

Expanding Horizons: Ingenuity in Design Amidst Lofty Constraints

Under the leadership of Boszko & Verity, with crucial architectural contributions from Superkül, the interior of the CN Tower's observation deck has been completely overhauled. This deck is situated within the 1,815-foot (553-meter) tall structure, recognized as North America's tallest freestanding edifice. The design teams successfully navigated the inherent challenges of working at such extreme altitudes, significantly increasing the observation deck's functional floor area. Their ingenuity allowed for a creative expansion of space without compromising structural integrity or visitor safety.

Innovative Construction Methods: Crafting a Seamless Connection to the Cityscape

To facilitate the renovation, a sophisticated four-story permanent maintenance gantry was constructed around the exterior of the tower's distinctive bulb-shaped feature. This strategic installation enabled the precise integration of a new enclosure system, featuring robust sloped glass that offers unparalleled views of Canada's largest city. Furthermore, specialized railings, reminiscent of swimming pool access points, were strategically placed along the perimeter, encouraging visitors to approach the glass and fully immerse themselves in the expansive urban panorama below. The project also encompassed a complete revitalization of the outdoor terrace deck, ensuring a cohesive design experience.

Nature's Embrace: Biophilic Design Principles Guiding the Tower's Transformation

The centerpiece of the interior transformation is the undulating ceiling, described by the design team as "biophilic," integrating natural elements and durable materials inspired by Canada's rich forested landscapes. Superkül articulated that their design draws direct inspiration from an arboreal canopy, alongside other organic forms such as tree branches, textured rock surfaces, the shimmering quality of water, and the gentle ripple of a breeze. This approach was intended to honor the CN Tower not merely as an architectural feat but as a tribute to Canadian ambition and way of life, while respectfully integrating with the tower's inherent radial architectural framework.

Technological Fusion: Blending Digital Artistry with Panoramic Views

Superkül further elaborated on the ceiling's innovative construction: "Our parametrically designed modular ceiling system pays homage to the CN Tower's radial architecture." Crafted from digitally fabricated oak-laminated phenolic fins, these elements extend centrifugally, subtly guiding the gaze of visitors outwards towards Toronto's breathtaking vistas. These fins were ingeniously designed with movable connections, allowing them to subtly sway in harmony with the tower's imperceptible oscillations. Beyond the structural and aesthetic enhancements, the renovation also integrated advanced audiovisual elements, including the impressive floor-to-ceiling video wall, known as the Artmosphere, which displays dynamic digitized imagery, enriching the visitor experience.

A Legacy of Height: The CN Tower's Enduring Presence Amidst a Growing Skyline

The CN Tower, inaugurated in 1976, was a collaborative masterpiece by Australian architects John Andrews & Roger Dutis and local firm WZMH, supported by NCK Engineering for its structural design. For nearly three decades, it proudly held the title of the world's tallest freestanding structure, a record eventually surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in 2007. Despite this, the tower has maintained its dominant position in the Toronto skyline. In recent years, the city has witnessed a surge in supertall skyscrapers, such as a prominent structure by Foster + Partners and the ongoing SkyTower by Hariri Pontarini, which is set to become Canada's tallest skyscraper, signaling a new era of urban verticality around this enduring icon.