For their clients, AIM Architecture wanted to create a façade that stands out from a sea of busy urban sameness. Located on a fast-paced busy road, the architects saw the opportunity draw from the surrounding movement of traffic to create a façade that takes on a different appearance depending upon the side you are approaching from.
Taking the form of a folded (triangulated) second skin, the zigzag nature of the exterior with its different colours and transparencies, change in appearance as you pass the building. When approaching from the north, the building appears completely transparent. But as you pass by, the façade begins to ‘close’ in its nature as metallic printed glass becomes more visible.
The ‘second skin’ nature of the building also helped for an easier building renovation as its installation caused minimal disturbance for existing tenants.
As an added element, there is a play of glass and trees in the glass reflection. The profile of typical Shanghai platane leaves on the south-facing glass create a blend of trees, grass and sky, which is multiplied throughout this faceted façade.
