Architects behind the upcoming Tencent Helix, the future headquarters of Chinese tech giant Tencent, have revealed their groundbreaking plans for the sprawling campus.
Described as the “headquarters of the future,” the design features a helix-inspired centerpiece set to accommodate over 23,000 employees across a vast 500,000 square meters, making it nearly twice the size of Apple’s California headquarters.
The innovative design, shared exclusively with CNN by architects Büro Ole Scheeren, showcases four towers spiraling out from a central open space called the “Vortex Incubator.”
This landmark structure is part of Tencent’s ambitious plan to create a “future city” in Shenzhen, emphasizing sustainability and a largely car-free environment.
Ole Scheeren, founder of the architecture firm, explained that the helix geometry creates an “ecosystem where everything comes together” to foster collaboration and interaction among employees.
The design, selected by Tencent after an international competition, aims to provide a dynamic and recognizable structure that changes subtly from different perspectives.
Named Tencent Helix, the scheme integrates lower floors connecting office towers with communal facilities like lobbies, educational spaces, and sports facilities.
The design blurs the line between public and private spaces, incorporating restaurants and shops at ground level.
Scheeren emphasized that the building lacks a traditional front and back, offering a distinctive appearance that changes depending on the viewpoint.
Tencent’s headquarters will be part of a larger neighborhood known as “Net City,” situated on reclaimed land along the Pearl River estuary.
The district, although predominantly car-free, will connect to the city via ferries and the subway system.
Scheeren’s helix motif extends into pedestrian pathways, creating cohesion between the headquarters and the surrounding structures, including schools and public amenities.
Scheeren’s design philosophy prioritizes the integration of nature, emphasizing a functional workspace that incorporates natural ventilation and a “sponge city” concept to reduce water waste.
He contrasts Tencent Helix with sprawling US tech campuses, aiming for a more urban and less gimmicky approach.
The new headquarters is set to open in 2028, coinciding with Tencent’s 30th anniversary, and will replace the company’s current Shenzhen office as its global headquarters.
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