Guangzhou,
China, is a city better known for getting down to business than for
showcasing innovative architecture. Like Detroit of the 1980s,
Guangzhou was one of China's biggest commercial centers, but was
hobbled with infrastructure problems and pollution. Recent initiatives,
however, have encouraged development of a revitalized city center.
One
of the city's newest gems is the GDCB tower, a forward-looking,
H-shaped commercial high-rise adorned with an external solar control
system. Inside, the building features Hunter Douglas' Techstyle
acoustical ceilings, which not only absorb typical office noise,
but also help create a distinctive look. Designed by architects Gerkan,
Marg und Partners (GMP), GDCB is helping establish Guangzhou as a
beachhead of progressive, green architecture.
The
solar control system consists of external shutters that represent one
of the building's most striking features. Far from merely decorative,
this customized system of shutters deflects sun from the building to
control glare and thermal gain. Designed by Hunter Douglas, the
shutters respond automatically to varying light and heat conditions. More> |
