We were invited to explore a site that formed part of the old Bai Yun airport in Guangzhou. 

The Brief was to develop a concept for an ambitious mixed use scheme containing a 35 storey high-rise commercial tower with a 'sky-high' restaurant and an upmarket boutique mall at the base.

Inspired by lush green scenes of the city and the mild climate, the concept evolved from a vertical street, which sheltered outdoor space that is day-lit and naturally ventilated.   

Within this structure, an arrangement of stacked 'gift boxes', individually insulated and wrapped in LED cells, enables the units to be air conditioned as necessary, while LED cells allow each 'gift box' its own branding strategy, maximising impact and flexibility.  

The retail scheme is elevated at the ground level, creating a plaza, which creates an informal environment that enables extended activities to take place.