Guangzhou Infinitus Plaza in Baiyun New Town, Guangzhou, China, has broken ground. Its site was acquired by LKK Health Products Group (LKKHPG), a member of Lee Kum Kee Group, through its Guangdong Infinitus Property Development Company, in May 2016 for RMB 2.01 billion (approx. US$ 294 million).
The 167,000 sq. m. Guangzhou Infinitus Plaza will be a campus of integrated buildings that combine intelligent technologies and environmental sustainability, comprising key facilities for the group including a new global center for R&D a Chinese herbal medicine research and safety assessment center; as well as an exhibition center and gallery. It will serve as the new headquarters of Infinitus China, a member of LKKHPG. The overall investment in the project will reach RMB 4.5 billion (approx. US$659 million), and the construction is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2022.
Satoshi Ohashi, Zaha Hadid Architects Director, China said:
Zaha Hadid developed the design of Guangzhou Infinitus Plaza with concepts of integration, connectivity and fluidity. This groundbreaking ceremony continues her renowned legacy. LKKHPG has a vision for nurturing better health and wellbeing through their work and important community programs. Zaha translated this vision to create a new workplace environment and corporate culture that fosters openness and communication. The design connects with the city and implements the latest technological solutions and construction methods to create a functional, adaptable and enjoyable workplace.
Guangzhou Infinitus Plaza creates a gateway to the new Baiyun Central Business District that will include six new communities planned around Guangzhou’s former Baiyun Airport; linking the city with Feixiang Gongyuan Park and the redevelopment planned to the north. Located adjacent to Feixiang Gongyuan station on Line 2 of the Guangzhou’s Metro network, Guangzhou Infinitus Plaza straddles the metro line, dividing the project into two buildings that interconnect at multiple levels.
Designed over eight storeys as a series of infinite rings that enhance connectivity, the project’s layout follows the arrangement of the symbol for infinity “∞”. All departments within Guangzhou Infinitus Plaza are arranged around central atria and courtyards that encourage interaction between all departments. The building’s unitised insulated glazing system maximizes natural light within the interior while also offering substantial reductions in energy consumption. Aluminum perforated screens provide protection from direct solar heat gain as well as enable rainwater collection. Developed with active digital intelligence, the screens’ sensors monitor weather, energy-use and lighting to further reduce energy consumption.
Connecting internal and external walkways improve communication for all employees. Walking and jogging paths, as well as gardens of Chinese herbal plants, are located on the roof.
Upon completion, Guangzhou Infinitus Plaza will be an important anchor to the development of Baiyun District as a national center for China’s health industry; contributing to the city’s economy and offering excellent employment opportunities for its local communities.
