Datong Twin Towers

Datong, Shanxi Province, China

Competition entry- First Prize 2010

The given typology of two towers above a rectangular 4 storey podium- so common a sight in China- is a challenge: from a certain distance, the two towers suggests two separate ones which is programmatically the case. While when close the podium one identifies one unified building.

Our design develops from choreographing this ambiguity: proposing a building that is formed by the flows derived from the access and the surrounding urban landscape. The dual axial disposition of these vectors in turn influences the layout of the internal connections.
From a simple symmetric mirrored building shape this proposal evolves into a dynamic 'ying and yang' formation which sets into force the looping, spiraling ramp system that weaves together the two towers on the lower levels.

spaces and connections grow from the base of the building, continuing in a loop that is deformed and then, branched into the two towers, as a spiralling movement reaches the roofscape.
With this different system of connections and intersections of different qualities and densities of the spaces, the project transforms and deforms the twin towers type in a more complex system.