The Summit | Goettsch Partners | World Design Awards 2021

Goettsch Partners: Winner of World Design Awards 2021. The Summit is a two-parcel development in Suzhou, China, that connects to the existing metro station and borders both sides of Suhua Road, the city’s ceremonial boulevard and center for commercial development. The mixed-use development features two towers—one 16 stories and the other 39 stories—and includes office, retail and luxury residences that offer unobstructed eastern views to Jinji Lake.

SIZE
1,615,200 sfsqm total

Tower 1:
16 stories
210,500 sfsqm office
226,000 sfsqm retail
223 parking spaces

Tower 2:
39 stories
317,900 sfsqm office
237,700 sfsqm serviced apartments
236,800 sfsqm retail
261 parking spaces

FEATURES
LEED-CS Gold

CLIENT
Tishman Speyer

The design concept organizes the various program elements into a series of interlocking volumes. Each volume is sized to provide optimal functional depth for the program contained within, while creating a compositional quality that visually unifies the two parcels. An innovative gridded façade system is utilized for both towers to further visually connect the buildings while seamlessly integrating operable ventilation for all users. The project is certified LEED Gold, and direct connection to mass transit, extensive green roofs, locally sourced materials and high-performance enclosures are a few examples of the sustainable strategies employed throughout.

The efficient, modern towers also strive to translate elements of context into the architectural expression. Therefore, the project color palette of white, grays and black was inspired by the architectural vernacular famous in Suzhou. Capturing an essence of the city was critical, as the project enjoys unparalleled visibility in the downtown due to its location along the ceremonial boulevard and its immediate adjacency to the active public plazas to the east.

Project Details
Firm
Goettsch Partners

Project Name
The Summit

Architect/Designer
Goettsch Partners

World Design Awards Category
Mixed-Use Built

Project Location
Suzhou

Team
Client: Tishman Speyer; Associate Architect: Suzhou Institute of Architectural Design (SIAD); Structural/MEP Engineer: WSP Lighting Designer: KGM International Lighting Design; Landscape Architect: Sasaki; Associates Curtain Wall Consultant: Inhabit Group

Country
China

Goettsch Partners (GP) is an architecture firm with a global perspective. Based in Chicago, with additional offices in Shanghai and Abu Dhabi, we share a singular approach to design that combines seasoned experience with a passion for exploration and innovation. Our completed and active projects span five continents and represent a diverse range of types and sizes.