Infinitus Plaza by ZHA, China
The Infinitus Plaza headquarters designed by Zaha Hadid Architects was recently inaugurated in China. Developed on the site of a decommissioned airport traversed by a metro tunnel, the project proposes two distinct volumes with central atria that connect at multiple levels, resembling an infinity loop. Bringing together offices, research facilities, labs, and a learning center, the design proposes a work environment centered around connectivity and adaptability.
The design creates a series of loops that foster interaction between departments and define a series of outdoor spaces that promote a sense of community. The bridges house various communal spaces, including gyms and exercise rooms, as well as a restaurant, café, and recreation areas, while the gardens and outdoor landscaped areas are complemented by a jogging track and walking paths on the roof.
The project incorporates a series of sustainability strategies and construction technologies meant to reduce the operational and life cycle carbon emissions. Structural optimization reduced the amount of concrete used and increased the proportion of recycled materials, primarily steel, glass, wood, and gypsum components. Solar heat gain was reduced by carefully considering the outdoor terraces that self-shade and the façade shading panels.
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