The iconic architecture and riverside context that characterize Poly Pazhou were inspirations in this SWA/SOM collaboration, which also took adjoining development in the burgeoning region into account. Broad, sweeping landscape, featuring diverse local plant species, embraces both the soaring buildings and the Pearl River corridor, extending its spatial characteristics well beyond the site. Along its perimeter, the landscape framework integrates with the adjoining parcels 5 and 10, forming a distinct and unified streetscape within the neighborhood.
Each of the principal architectural components are individually addressed. The office megatower is echoed by a great crescent fountain basin at its arrival court, its fluid horizontal surface and infinity edges reflecting the tower and gesturing toward the river. The tower’s south side features an intimately scaled garden setting with direct access from the south road and short-term parking. At the second tower, sculptural, forested landforms greet and define the residential arrival court, offering residents a level of visual and acoustical privacy from adjacent hotel arrivals and vehicular ramps. Additionally, these landforms screen the project’s cooling towers and integrate them with the overall landscape design.
Central open spaces at the hotel’s arrival and south garden create an inviting visual linkage along the property’s north-south axis. To the north, cascading river gardens orient the hotel and conference arrival terrace to the riverfront beyond, while to the south, broad, programmable special events gardens with lounge and dining terraces serve the hotel and conference center. A central water plane links the hotel lobby lounge to the gardens and the central fountains between parcels 4 and 5. Although separated by a road, these fountain basins are raised and configured to visually merge together as a larger feature. Pedestrian linkage below the fountains and road connect to a sunken water court linked to the hotel’s B1 health club facility and building concourse. In addition to introducing light and air to these facilities, the sunken court serves to provide part of the project’s overall fresh air intake requirements. Lastly, the circulation network on site links pedestrians from road crossings, subway connections, and bus station stops to principal building entry points and landscape destinations.
Almaza Bay Beach Town
Located on the tranquil and pristine Mediterranean coastline in northwest Egypt, Almaza Bay Beach Town redefines the concept of a resort town. Seamlessly integrating the intimate and relaxed feel of a beach community with the entertainment and excitement of a walkable retail district, this mixed-use development offers an exceptional lifestyle that enriches the...
Poly Future City
As the first phase of a large development along a new subway line in Beijing, Poly Future City suggests what’s to come. A sleek sales center features an interactive landscape with water features punctuating its pavilions, which boast WiFi, heated seating, and power outlets, all solar-powered. For this temporary building and landscape, SWA took care to invest i...
Santana Row
SWA provided full landscape architectural services for the development of a neo-traditional town center near downtown San Jose. The client’s vision called for a variety of design styles to create a town center with an impression of growth over time. This theme is expressed in building elevations as well as landscape design. The restaurants and boutique r...
Rodeo 39
As larger big-box companies continue to close their brick-and-mortar stores, each leaves behind a sizable void within the communities these centers once served. Rodeo 39, seeks to break the models of traditional retail that are founded on convenience and visibility and shift the focus to community aspirations and user experience.
The 31,000-square-foot ...