R&F Yingkai Square

Guangzhou, China

Located in Guangzhou’s new city center of Zujiang, R&F Yingkai Square emerges as part of a larger master plan of mixed-use towers that collectively signify the stature of Guangzhou as a major metropolitan city. The simple yet iconic form of the tower traces inspiration from the abundant local bamboo plants, rising 296 meters and defined by the building’s asymmetrically carved corners as well as the veining of vertical strips on the façade that provide a sense of visual movement. The strips compress and stretch as they rise, starting more dense at the base to enhance the sense of gravity. The Park Hyatt Guangzhou hotel occupies the building's uppermost floors, with office space below and subway connections below grade. 

While the tower internalizes its functions into a singular expression, the design is greatly born of its context. The square tower massing respects the geometric rigidity of the street grid, helping to form urban rooms in conjunction with the neighboring parcel. The pinching language created by carving out the corners highlights the unique views available at various heights through and over neighboring structures, while the diagonal extensions of the site relate to the adjacent central green and nearby Pearl River Delta.

The building is at once connected to the urban street life around it while balanced with an intimacy required for a luxury hotel experience. The hotel drop-off and arrival sequence is choreographed to emphasize a sense of calm, with a warm, neutral palette punctuated by sculptures that aid in orientation. An infinity-edge pool on level 60 runs the length of one side of the building, overlooking the panoramic views of the Guangzhou skyline. A signature outdoor roof garden on level 70 offers similar sweeping views while providing an inviting space to dine and relax.