The Phoenix International Media Centre (Chinese: 凤凰国际传媒中心; pinyin: Fènghuáng Guójī Chuánméi Zhōngxīn), also known as the Phoenix Centre (凤凰中心; Fènghuáng Zhōngxīn) is a building in Beijing, China. It is located in the southwestern corner of Chaoyang Park in Beijing. The centre features a torus-like design. The building's sculptural shape originates from the "Möbius strip" and establishes a harmonical relationship with the alignment of the turning road, the street corner, and Chaoyang Park.[1]

Phoenix Centre
凤凰国际传媒中心
Fènghuáng Guójī Chuánméi Zhōngxīn
The office building inside the Phoenix Center, Beijing, China. Taken in December 2011 when the building was still under construction.
Map
Alternative namesPhoenix International Media Centre.jpg
General information
StatusCompleted
LocationChaoyang District, Beijing, China
AddressNongzhanguan S Rd, Tuan Jie Hu, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, 100018
CountryChina
Coordinates39°56′04″N 116°28′16″E / 39.9345°N 116.471°E / 39.9345; 116.471
Construction started2008
Completed2014
OwnerPhoenix Satellite Television Holdings Ltd.
Height55 m
Technical details
Floor count13
Floor area72,478 square meters
Design and construction
Architect(s)Shao Weiping
Architecture firmBeijing Institute of Architectural Design (BIAD)

History

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In 2007, Phoenix Television, a Hong Kong-based television network, proposed to build a media centre in Beijing. The building meant to represent not only the corporation spirit of Phoenix TV but also the profound cultural tradition of China. The centre was designed by the government-owned Beijing Institute of Architectural Design,[2] with executive chief architect Shao Weiping.[3] The enclosing of the final form involved 3,800 glass panels. Unlike the nearby CMG Headquarters, the building is open to the public.

Design

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According to Architect Shao Weiping, the design of the building resembles DNA-like double helix that has been wrapped into a loop.[4] He adds that the circular contours of the Phoenix complex echo the yin-yang symbol of ancient Chinese philosophy. The Phoenix Centre is notable for being an experimental building designed by a domestic firm.[5] Within the doughnut-shaped exterior "shell" are two conventionally-structured interior towers.[6]

The contours were designed using parametric 3D modelling software. The software, including Frank Gehry’s Digital Project modeling tools, enabled him to "intricately manipulate" the parameters of the overall design and structural engineering of the Phoenix Center, to precisely control the airflow around the building and to convert the facade’s steel diagrid into a network of miniature canals to transport raindrops into an array of reflective pools surrounding the building.[3] The structure features a parametrically designed atrium.

The building covers a land area of 18,000 m2, with a construction floor area of 72,478 m2.

The two independent office towers under the shell generate shared public space. In the east and west parts of the shared spaces, there are continuous steps, landscape platforms, and sky ramps. A dedicated visitors’ pathway winds past the building’s broadcasting studios and explorers may interact with reporters during the tour. The centre accommodates television production studios, offices and businesses.[7]

Awards

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In 2017, the building won the Outstanding Structure Award, presented by the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering.[8] The association stated that the "Phoenix Centre represents a complex spatial structure originated from 3D parametric design techniques resulting in an extraordinary interaction of architectural and structural aspects”.

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See also

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Media buildings in Beijing

References

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  1. ^ "Beijing Phoenix Center". phtv.ifeng.com. Retrieved 2019-06-09.
  2. ^ "北京市建筑设计研究院有限公司". www.biad.com.cn. Retrieved 2019-06-09.
  3. ^ a b "Phoenix International Media Center Designed By Biad o". www.architectmagazine.com. Retrieved 2019-06-09.
  4. ^ Platt, Kevin Holden. "Phoenix Media Center". arcspace.com. Retrieved 2019-06-09.
  5. ^ Magazine, Wallpaper* (2012-09-03). "Phoenix TV building by BIAD-UFO, Beijing". Wallpaper*. Retrieved 2019-06-09.
  6. ^ "Latticed shell encloses doughnut-shaped television studios in Beijing". Dezeen. 2016-10-11. Retrieved 2019-06-09.
  7. ^ "Pondering Beijing's Doughnut-Like Phoenix Center". That's Online. Retrieved 2019-06-09.
  8. ^ "Phoenix Centre, Beijing, China". www.iabse.org. Archived from the original on 2019-01-26. Retrieved 2019-06-09.