Honeycomb Skyscraper by MAD Architects

March 27th, 2013

Honeycomb structures are usually associated with bees, not high rise buildings in China’s ever-growing cities. But MAD Architects are adding an iconic-looking honeycomb building—the Sinosteel International Plaza which is currently under construction and due to be completed this year—to the urban megapolis that is Tianjin.

The hexagonal façade not only looks good, but it also plays a structural role creating an exoskeleton so no internal columns are needed beyond the building’s core. The organic-looking patterns evolve across the exterior, giving a nod to China’s cultural heritage and the hexagonal Chinese Pavilions that can be found in parks, gardens, and temples across the land. It also gives the building an animated look and alters its appearance from different perspectives.

The aim was to give the two towers—one an 358 meter office tower and the other a 95 meter high hotel—a softer look than the usual skyscraper. “From a very simple concept, yet deeply rooted in ancient Chinese architecture, a subtle and sensitive building arises. Sinosteel International Plaza will establish a different urban landscape and soften the hard edge of the concrete jungle we live in, our modern city.” MAD Architects say.

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