A skyscraper that refuses to stand up—Holl lifts the whole city block into the air and gives the ground back to you.
Building in Shenzhen, China.
Visitor Guide
Treat the underside like a shaded urban room: walk beneath the hovering mass to feel the microclimate shift, then step out to see how the pilotis frame the landscape.
From the open landscape under the building looking along its length; late afternoon emphasizes the ‘hover’ with long shadows and clearer depth.
Primarily a working complex (office/hotel/serviced uses), so interior access is limited to tenants/guests and any publicly accessible retail/hospitality areas on-site.
The ‘tsunami-proof’ claim is not branding fluff—lifting the mass is part resilience move, part urban generosity: risk management disguised as architectural attitude.
45-90 minutes
Design & Structure
Program aggregation into one long bar to maximize open ground and airflow. Environmental strategy (shade, porosity, landscape microclimate) drives massing as much as aesthetics.
A mix of robust structural materials for the elevated frame and glazed/enclosed program zones; the key ‘material’ is actually air and shade—architectural comfort produced by section and clearance.
A building-as-bridge: major transfer structure and supports lift an enormous program load while keeping the ground plane continuous and usable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed Horizontal Skyscraper – Vanke Center?+
Horizontal Skyscraper – Vanke Center was designed by Steven Holl and completed in 2009. It is located in Shenzhen, People's Republic of China.
Where is Horizontal Skyscraper – Vanke Center located?+
Horizontal Skyscraper – Vanke Center is located in Shenzhen, People's Republic of China. Its coordinates are 22.6005°, 114.2991°.
When was Horizontal Skyscraper – Vanke Center built?+
Horizontal Skyscraper – Vanke Center was completed in 2009. It was designed by Steven Holl.
Can I visit Horizontal Skyscraper – Vanke Center?+
Horizontal Skyscraper – Vanke Center is a real building in Shenzhen that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.