Spurred by a period of rapid growth and bolstered by the 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing has established itself not only as an economic powerhouse of the 21st century, but also as a sophisticated and modern metropolis full of culture, energy and life. When RTKL set out to design a new Central Business District for the emerging financial city, it did so with the intent of creating a place that would be internationally recognizable, would help to define the next generation of business, and would help to progress Beijing’s role on the global financial stage.

The solution for the Li Ze district blends modern office spaces with civic spaces, integrates leisure facilities and a vibrant sense of place, and offers a new 24-hour mixed-use heart. It follows the traditional Beijing grid that has long defined the city’s urban growth, and creates warm, engaging and human-scaled places. Designed to have a minimal impact on its environment, the project uses fewer resources than traditional urban development. It encourages active participation from its users with civic spaces, well-integrated educational uses, and visual corridors that encourage exploration and create a sense of pride and ownership.