CITIC Plaza in Guangzhou, China, stands as one of the pioneering supertall skyscrapers completed outside of the United States during the late 20th century. Developed by China International Trust and Investment and completed in 1996, the 80-story office tower reaches a height of 390.2 meters (1,280 feet) and anchors a major commercial and manufacturing hub in Guangdong Province.
Design and Urban Integration in Guangzhou
Situated in the center of the Tien He district, CITIC Plaza serves as the focal point of a four-kilometer-long garden and boulevard system connected to two major railway stations. According to architectural design records, the layout and symmetry of the complex balance pragmatic commercial office space with the formality of the surrounding urban axis. The main tower acts as a primary visual landmark for visitors arriving from the adjacent railway station. Constructed primarily of concrete, the building utilizes a muted gray and blue color palette to emphasize structural simplicity, featuring twin antenna-like spires at its peak.
Architectural and Engineering Specifications
The construction of CITIC Plaza began in 1993 and concluded three years later in 1996, establishing a new benchmark for high-rise development in mainland China alongside Shenzhen’s Shun Hing Square. The skyscraper encompasses a total gross floor area of 205,239 square meters (2,209,172 square feet) across its 80 floors. Architectural design for the project was led by Dennis Lau & Ng Chun Man Architects & Engineers (HK) Ltd., while structural engineering was managed by the Maunsell AECOM Group. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems were handled by Gammon Construction Limited and Tridant Engineering Company Limited.
Project Details at a Glance
- Height: 390.2 meters (1,280 feet)
- Floors: 80
- Construction Period: 1993–1996
- Gross Floor Area: 205,239 square meters (2,209,172 square feet)
- Primary Developer: China International Trust and Investment
- Architect: Dennis Lau & Ng Chun Man Architects & Engineers (HK) Ltd.
- Structural Engineer: Maunsell AECOM Group
Keep reading