The project reinterprets the high-tech village concept with the aim to convey the image of a contemporary institution, open to the city. With its granite and glass envelope on a massive and homogeneous base, this fortified citadel stands as a symbol for the Bank's functions while bringing to mind an ancient Chinese fortress. Each one of the ten buildings has its own identity and hosts a different activity and programme (conference venue, hotel, housing, client services etc.). The buildings are laid out around two large rectangular courtyards: the first one is reserved exclusively to the staff and is composed of a lush garden featuring a central pond shaped like the company's logo. The second one is open to the public and forms a large, green sloping square with a pedestrian pathway leading to the restaurant and leisure amenities.
Client: Shanghai Bank Co. Ltd
Project management: Partnership between AREP Ville (Jean-Marie Duthilleul and Etienne Tricaud) and Silvio d’Ascia, ECADI
Competition: March 2007
Cost: 80 million euros
Delivery: 2013