In most modern cities we live in today, working and living are often separated both in terms of geographical location and even within the same development. This has directly contributed to the “hollowing core” of cities, where city centers become deserted during evenings and weekends, and further leading to safety concerns. Such result departs from the original intention of ‘creating more livable cities”, and the costly urban infrastructure built for more sustainable high-density are not being fully utilized.

Changsha PingAn Fortune Center breaks away from this traditional development model by integrating both working and living within the same building. It also offers a comprehensive range of amenities, from dining to fitness facilities. Additionally, the design maximizes the project’s geographical advantage of facing the Xiang River by creating multiple open spaces at ground level, the tower base, and the tower top.

This approach allows the public, workers, and residents to share amenities, open spaces, and unobstructed river views at different times. Not only does this enhance the commercial value of the development project itself, but it also adds vibrancy to the entire area.

A critical concept of the modern workplace is variety: offices and their amenity spaces should be flexible, vary in size, and cater to a range of tenants and occupants. The large, open-concept floors at the base of the building support smaller, more private offices above; each setback provides an outdoor terrace and an opportunity to step outside and experience the riverfront. The transition between these typologies creates a dramatic stepping form with terraces that encourage tenants to enjoy outdoor work and social functions.