The Parkview Green project, conceptualized in 2001 to create one of the greenest, energy-efficient, dynamic mixed-use commercial developments in China, finally completes after 10 years of gestation. Being one of the first of its kind, the microclimatic envelope that encloses 230,000 square metre of retail, offices and hotel project overcame many technical and statutory challenges to become a unique landmark in Beijing, for its easily recognizable architecture and its Green credentials. The project has been certified Platinum under the LEED assessment by the US Green Building Council in 2010.
The raison d’être of the project is the preservation of natural light and ventilation for every neighbouring household surrounding the site. Under the unhindered daylight angle and restrictive heights a pyramidal envelope is formed. The concept turns these planning constraints into the project’s main asset. Creating an environmentally tempered voluminous space devoid of noise, pollutants and radiant heat from the sun, all upper storeys of offices and hotel are provided with extended outdoor landscaped areas at every floor that are usable all year round.
The concept centres around 4 independent buildings being entirely enclosed by a steel, glass and ETFE microclimatic envelope. The whole building is sunk 9m below ground level. By allowing hot air to escape at the pinnacle fresh air is drawn from the sunken garden through natural heat stack effect. Every level of the building enjoys natural ventilation when the environmental conditions are favorable. Significant energy savings has been achieved when compared against conventional buildings, between 16% in the summer and 83% in the winter.
Between the buildings a 235m span footbridge connects the diagonally opposite corners of the site at ground level. The cable suspended footbridge provides a public access through the urban block. Walking over the bridge reveals a totally different urban space filled with contemporary artwork and street activities. The Parkview Green is a unique urban experience in the heart of the CBD in Beijing.