Guangzhou Vanke Center incorporates commercial, and office uses in an urban setting. To echo the “cascading” concept of the architectural design, the landscape architecture was inspired by the fluidity of water, as well as the unique local cultural heritage of dragon boats. The design provides for different types of social activity with variously scaled spaces, which enable the site to support a variety of group sizes. Materials were selected with feng shui principles in mind; the vertical design leverages limited space and accommodates an on-site circulation route. In addition, the Center’s main water feature was designed to complement fire lane regulations.
Westbund Central Parcel F
Shanghai Westbund Central Parcel F, sited next to Xuhui Waterfront Park, takes inspiration from Guangqi Xu (1562–1633), the district’s most significant historic figure, whose contributions to agricultural studies became the foundation for the mixed-use commercial development. As the site’s economic context shifted over time, the design evolved. Whi...
Williams Square
For decades, Williams Square has been the walkable “living room” for Irving, Texas’s Las Colinas community. The plaza’s iconic bronze mustang sculptures, designed by artist Robert Glen, are among the state’s most iconic landscape features, speaking to the state’s identity and history.
SWA’s engagement with the plaza is longstanding, dating back to the 1...
Heights Mercantile
In an era of one-click purchases and next-day deliveries, urban residents yearn for the once-prevalent ambiance of a lively urban environment. Heights Mercantile offers Houston an antidote. Revitalizing two acres in the heart of Houston’s historic Heights neighborhood, this low-rise, mixed-use development preserves the area’s charm while providing ...
Qingdao SIIC International Financial Center
Qingdao is the birthplace of Tsingtao Beer and, for over 20 years, the Tsingtao International Beer Festival was held on this site. SWA played a crucial role in preserving the community’s cultural landmark status as the land surrounding the festival site was transformed into a new urban campus and transit hub. Recently completed, the Qingdao SIIC International ...