CITIC Tower (China Zun) - China

The CITIC Tower, Beijing's tallest structure and a new symbol is situated in the heart of the city's new 30-hectare central business district.

The CITIC Tower is inspired by the "zun," a Bronze Age Chinese ritual vessel. In profile, the tower abstracts and refines the zun's vase-like form, balancing composition and articulation with structural constraints and leasing depth requirements. The structure is square in shape with rounded edges, and its width changes vertically from 78 meters at the base to 54 meters at the "waist" to 69 meters at the top. The tower, which is wider at the bottom than at the top, combines iconography with infrastructure that ensures structural stability in China's most seismic zone.

These sweeping dimensions touch the earth with great elegance. The upward curve of the lobby reflects the tower's fluted, outward drape in the opposite direction, creating a stunning backdrop for pedestrians. The internal canopy features distinctive aluminum ribbing that follows the curve of the tower's curvature and complements the exquisite façade appearance.

The CITIC Tower, which serves as an iconic backdrop to the park as well as a major new visitor attraction, is located at the northern end of the city's CBD. The skyscraper is also linked to a massive underground transportation network that includes a pedestrian passageway system, a B2-level roadway, and four subway lines and spans three stations.

Location: Beijing
Height: 1,731 ft (527.7 m)
Floors: 109
Architects: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (Design Architect) + TFP Farrells (Land Bid Concept)
Building Function: Office
Completion: 2018