Architectural design and engineering firm Foster + Partners has completed the new headquarters for civilian drones’ manufacturer DJI in China.
Situated in the Nanshan District in south-west Shenzhen, the new headquarters comprises two towers.
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The 44 and 40-storey towers are arranged such that the research and development spaces are in the east tower and the office and public functions are in the west tower, which has the main entrance.
In these towers, the office and research spaces are arranged in floating volumes supported by central cores using large megatrusses and circular profiled steel suspension rods.
The structure reduces the need for columns and creates uninterrupted office and research spaces.
Additionally, the building structure allows for quadruple-height drone flight testing labs, which are unique to DJI.
It will include research labs, offices, staff training, a test flight area and public facilities.
Both towers are connected by a 90m-long suspension sky-bridge at a 105m height.
The sky gardens on top of the floating volumes offer private outdoor spaces for DJI staff.
The building’s ground floor includes public facilities such as a community healthcare centre.
Foster + Partners senior executive partner Grant Brooker said: “We have worked closely with DJI, world-leading pioneers in innovative drone technology, to design a workplace that is expressive and emblematic of their creative ethos.
“The building has a unique structure with suspended workspaces floating high above the ground, creating a series of column-free studios that enable the design teams to develop, test and showcase their amazing range of products.”
Additionally, the floorplate design enhances daylight and views and reduces energy consumption.
The new TWIN lift system increases usable office floor area, and its intelligent control system facilitates less energy consumption during off-peak periods.
