iCarbonX Headquarters Shenzhen, by Steven Holl Architects

Designed by Steven Holl Architects

From the architect:

A study of genes and DNA inspired Steven Holl Architects' design for the two towers at the headquarters of genome machine intelligence company iCarbonX in Shenzhen.

The first tower, 'Body A' is residential, while the second, 'Body B' is the working program, with offices, labs, and public reception spaces. iCarbonX’s mission – unfolding information - is reflected through the building’s design. 

Body A, a 150 M residential tower, is the Living element. Body B, a 200 M tower with offices, labs, and public reception spaces, is the Working element.

 Four green bridges act as carbon bonds, joining the towers. 

The two upper bridges contain the health program, joining a health and nutrition circuit with cafes, a gym, and a swimming pool. 

The two lower bridges join to form public outreach spaces, a clinic, galleries, and meeting spaces. 

The iCarbonX Clinic is the central element that anchors the Living and Working towers, supporting ICX’s mission to apply science to daily life.

A curtain wall of fritted glass with varying translucencies provides tailored shade to the building’s exposures and light conditions. 

Curvilinear geometry shapes the ground-level public space with water gardens and a central recycled-water “Pool of Knowledge”. 

The public space is partially embedded in the ground, and the pool’s continuously circulating water masks the sounds of the city, creating a peaceful, protected space.

iCarbonX is in design and foundation construction is set for Fall 2019.

Story by: Steven Holl Architects

Photography by: Steven Holl Architects