Qingdao Shimao International Center

Qingdao Shimao International Center is located on the west of the No.1 Bathing Beach of Lingshan Bay, Qingdao, China, which is a 4A-level national scenic spot and the largest local leisure park. Bearing in mind the concept of "Learning from Nature" and drawing inspirations from the sea, J Studio utilized BIM technology to inject the art of nature into the design and endow the architecture with sophisticated shape and soul, thereby made it a lighthouse of architectural aesthetics standing on the west coast of the Pacific Ocean. It is a product of nature, blending with the sea. Facing the sea and embracing winds and waves, it comprises 3 tower blocks, which are 180 meters, 100 meters and 80 meters high respectively, together forming coastal skyline from high to low. The blocks resemble bionic shells, which combine curving, bending, concave and convex forms and evolve into unique visual impressions. Besides, the three tower blocks are further given waving lines vertically and horizontally, as if hitting the beat of natural rhythm, creating a monument of natural aesthetics. The highlight of the project is its shells-shaped appearance, which entirely inherits the charm of the sea. The overall architectural framework is wrapped in hundreds of 3D curves. With nature as the conductor, they play smooth and lively movement of the sea. Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology is applied throughout the whole project process. The exteriors and interiors, and forms and functions, are harmoniously coordinated and united, all of which gives the architecture a consistent aesthetic will of its own. Because of smooth contours, each floor features irregular and nonstandard designs, and the fine-tuning of the floor space would bring changes to the exterior in a subtle and graceful manner. With the help of BIM technology, the interior spaces and external envelope can be adjusted coordinately, which ensures harmonious integration. Just like the natural appearances of living species always cover exquisite structural joints beneath, this shells-shaped architecture has a large number of nodes on the curtain walls, which is dozens of times more than those of common buildings. The multiple and sophisticated structures not only meet the functional requirements, but also show the complexity of architectural design and technologic aesthetic. During the BIM process, the architectural design scheme can break through many limitations in previous practices, and can be continuously optimized. In this way, delicate nodes, smooth waving lines and elegant curves are formed. The overall design not only presents the exquisite ups and downs in three-dimensional spaces, but also creates the most aesthetic gravitational field in the universe.