SIMON MCKENZIE ARCHITECTURE
SUZHOU TOWER
A 460m TALL TOWER THAT WILL RE-SHAPE MODERN SUZHOU
Designed while at SOM
At the heart of Suzhou's new central business district in China stands a 460-meter mixed-use complex. Comprising three interconnected towers, the development seamlessly blends apartments, office spaces, and retail, creating a vibrant mixed-use community. These towers aim to redefine Suzhou's skyline, embodying a modern expression of the city's timeless values and commitment to a high quality of life.
At the heart of Suzhou's new central business district in China stands a 460-meter mixed-use complex. Comprising three interconnected towers, the development seamlessly blends apartments, office spaces, and retail, creating a vibrant mixed-use community. These towers aim to redefine Suzhou's skyline, embodying a modern expression of the city's timeless values and commitment to a high quality of life.
Final Competition Animation
In our endeavor to design the tower, we aimed to capture the deep cultural roots of Suzhou, an ancient city renowned for its canals, bridges, pagodas, and classical gardens. Preserving numerous examples of Chinese classical architecture, Suzhou's essence is steeped in its rich history. The design draws inspiration from Suzhou's intimate connection with water, owing to its strategic location in the Yangtze River delta, which has made it a historical hub for trade and commerce.
Sky Lobby 1 - Meditation Garden
Interior View - Typical corner unit living room
Glass Floor at Tower Crown
The Suzhou Tower was one of my primary projects at SOM. It was a competition in 2020, where I spent nearly 8-months as the project lead, touching all parts of the project, and resulting in a winning submission. For 2.5 years after that, I continued to play a key role in the project for SD and DD phases.
This tower is nearly half a kilometer tall and includes many complex features, which has been a joy to take from idea to construction detail. In my final year working on this project, my primary role was to develop tower facade as well as key amenity spaces, like the crown and sky bridges (including a ‘hanging library’ and glassbottom pool). A key part of my responsibilities has been to mentor other junior designers and manage their production to help accomplish project goals.
Image of the future Suzhou juxtaposed against the past
Views from across the lake
The tower's form embodies the convergence of three boats, symbolizing the gathering of people, talent, and industry. The rippling facade spandrels mirror the surface of Jinji Lake nearby or the unfurling of ancient Chinese scrolls, paying homage to Suzhou's heritage as a center for arts and scholarship.
Facade design is inspired by rippling water
Sky Lobby 2 - Central Lobby
Sky Lobby 3 - Hanging Library
The building's geometric design prioritizes optimal daylight, panoramic views, and natural ventilation, effectively harnessing wind to mitigate climatic forces through its open core. This structural approach not only reduces material usage but also minimizes the overall carbon impact of construction. Sustainable features include integrated photovoltaic panels on the podium roof and a high-performance glass exterior wall that significantly lowers energy consumption.
The tower's transparent crown adds a unique touch, offering additional gathering spaces beneath a petal-shaped roof. Taking cues from Suzhou's traditional gardens, the transparent glass floor's design draws inspiration from the city's iconic moon gates.
