Beijing Greenland Center
(Image: Courtesy SOM © LV Hengzhong)
Located in Beijing’s Dawangjing business district, the mixed-use Beijing Greenland Center is a sustainable, landmark building masterplanned by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and completed in June 2016.
At 260 m tall, the 55-storey tower accommodates four office floor zones and 178 serviced apartments, organised around a simple rectangular plan with central core to maximise flexibility.
(Image: Courtesy SOM © LV Hengzhong)
The tower is clad in a prismatic trapezoidal glass façade that is self-shading, enhancing its efficiency and sustainable credentials. The façade modules are designed to create an elegant aesthetic by ‘exploring interactions between simple form, light and shadow’, catching and reflecting sunlight from Beijing’s often overcast skies.
Two trapezoid types alternate in a regular pattern, tapering either toward the sky or the neighbourhood below.
(Image: Courtesy SOM © LV Hengzhong)
The design aims to achieve a 30% reduction in energy use and water consumption compared to baseline buildings by including features such as a Direct Digital Control building automation system, a heat reclaim wheel, variable speed pumps for heating and cooling, and a water-side economiser to utilise evaporative cooling.
(Image: © SOM)
Beijing Dawangjing is a new neighborhood located on Beijing’s northeast side, halfway between the city’s historic core and Beijing Capital International Airport. The mixed-use development is a walkable, green district that prioritises quality of life and responsible use of natural resources.
(Image: Courtesy SOM © LV Hengzhong)
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- 416-420 Kent, Williamsburg.
- Beijing National Stadium.
- Burj al Arab, Dubai.
- China Philharmonic Hall.
- Hangzhou Gateway, China.
- National Centre for the Performing Arts, Beijing.
- Nexus.
- Petronas Twin Towers.
- Phoenix International Media Center, Beijing.
- Shanghai Tower.
- Tebrau Waterfront Residences.
- The Gherkin.
- Vista Tower, Chicago.
- Xili Sports and Cultural Center.
Featured articles and news
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.

























