China Merchant Prince Bay Headquarters
In the first of two landmarks for China Merchant, marking the Silk Roads—maritime and overland—Planetworks designed a 380-meter tower as a modern-day lighthouse glimmering above Shenzhen’s Prince Bay.
One of the most profound impacts of our growing population is how we are shaping the planet through urbanization. Tall buildings play a pivotal role in the future of cities by addressing the challenges of increasing population and reduced resources.
By designing with natural forces that shape tall building design, and combining the latest technological approach, The super tower in Prince Bay will be symbol for a way of building a better future for all of us, and for our planet.
LOCATION: Shenzhen I China
CLIENT： China Merchant Shekou
PROGRAMS： Headquarters, Hote, OB, Retail
SCALE： 142,000 m² / 374 m
COMPLETION：2026
The Lighthouse
The Supertall at Prince Bay rises as a beacon of resilience and innovation. Shaped by the forces of wind and seismic design, its aerodynamically optimized contours— rounded volume, tapering profile, and smoothly curved top—significantly enhance structural efficiency, reducing both energy use and construction costs. Amidst times of uncertainty, this architectural marvel stands as a symbol of optimism, guiding the way forward like a lighthouse in safe harbor, its design not only practical but profoundly inspiring.
For tall buildings that wish to have a significant sustainable impact, it is critical to consider the factor that most affects the design: wind. Wind is the most important factor affecting the design of tall buildings, and the shape of the “lighthouse” is based
on aerodynamic principles. The rounded volume, tapering profile, and curved top design will significantly reduce wind loads. This significantly reduces structural weight, saving energy and construction costs.
