Plaza breaks ground

The multipurpose Guangzhou Infinitus Plaza in southern China, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, has broken ground.  The 167,000 square metre complex in the city formerly known as Canton is made up of two eight-storey buildings connected by tree-covered sky bridges. It is expected to be completed in 2020, becoming a gateway to the new Baiyun Central Business District.

The plaza is modelled on the looping symbol used to represent infinity in mathematics. It will serve as the headquarters for the Infinitus health products brand owned by the LKK Health Products Group. All departments in Guangzhou Infinitus Plaza are arranged around the central atria and courtyards. The building’s unitised insulated glazing system will allow in natural light, while the perforated aluminium screens will prevent direct solar heat gain and enable rainwater collection. Using active digital intelligence, the screens’ sensors will monitor weather, energy use and lighting to reduce energy consumption. The plaza will also connect internal and external walkways to improve communication, as well as walking and jogging paths and gardens of Chinese herbal plants on the roof.