SF Express Group Co., Ltd, one of China’s leading logistics companies with over 340,000 employees worldwide, is intending to construct a new company headquarter building in the flourishing Qianhai District in Shenzhen. The architects von Gerkan, Marg and Partners (gmp) were successful in winning first prize in the international competition for the new construction of the SF Express Headquarter Building, and the practice has been commissioned with the design of the high-rise office building with a gross floor area of 100,000 m².
The briefing called for an efficient, functional concept for the high-rise building and the work places, as well as differentiated, collectively usable areas for the members of staff. For this reason, the vertically structured building recedes towards the top in order to create generously glazed foyers called sky lounges, which create a succinct appearance and which are used as sports areas, libraries and conservatories with views across the Bay of Qianhai and the Pearl River Delta.
The vertical louvres of the façade grid, which feature covered opening sashes for the natural ventilation of the office areas behind them, are each 2 stories high. The irregular perforations of the lesene-type façade elements generate a dynamic, wave-shaped appearance, the effect of which is enhanced by illumination during the evening hours. The podium, which is 20 m high, accommodates all relevant service functions such as a canteen and conference and commercial facilities, which are only a short distance away from the four-story high lobby and the skywalk that is available for use by the public.