Kingdee Tower: HENN's Cloud-Inspired Office Design in Shenzhen
211-meter-high tower completes Kingdee's software park with futuristic offices
1Tech park completion
The 211-meter Kingdee Tower finalizes the software park in Shenzhen's Nanshan district, an emerging tech hub. Designed by German firm HENN, the structure adds 98,800 m² of space including offices, conference areas, and a restaurant. The project serves Kingdee, a global leader in enterprise management cloud services, reinforcing their corporate presence. Its location on a green strip offers workers both urban connectivity and natural elements.
2Architectural concept
Dubbed 'The Cloud Tower', the design reflects Kingdee's cloud computing services through its floating appearance. HENN's lead architect Martin Henn envisioned the tower as a vertical campus that promotes collaboration. The façade's dynamic form creates varying spatial experiences across different levels. This approach aligns with contemporary workplace trends favoring flexible, inspiring environments over traditional office layouts.
3International collaboration
The project involved a multinational team including Italian designer Giovanni Betti and Austrian architect Thomas Grabner. Local firm Shenzhen Capol International handled planning compliance, while Gensler designed interiors. Specialized consultants managed façade systems (PAG), lighting (RDI), and landscaping (ACLA). This global expertise combined with Chinese contractors like CSCEC ensured both innovative design and local feasibility.
4Structural highlights
China Fangda Group executed the complex façade construction, showcasing advanced engineering capabilities. The tower's height required innovative solutions to meet Shenzhen's seismic and wind load requirements. Materials were selected for both performance and sustainability, though specific details weren't disclosed. The design maximizes natural light while controlling solar heat gain in Shenzhen's subtropical climate.
5Corporate branding
The tower serves as a physical manifestation of Kingdee's digital transformation services. Its futuristic aesthetic reinforces the company's position as an innovator in enterprise software. The design intentionally contrasts with conventional office towers in Shenzhen's business districts. This architectural statement coincides with Kingdee's expansion in cloud-based ERP solutions across global markets.
6District impact
Located in Nanshan, Shenzhen's growing tech corridor, the tower adds prestige to the area alongside Tencent's headquarters. Its completion in 2025 will likely attract more tech firms to the neighborhood. The project demonstrates how corporate architecture can enhance a company's recruitment and retention efforts. It also sets a new benchmark for workplace design in China's competitive tech industry.
7Design challenges
HENN balanced Kingdee's functional needs with architectural ambition in the 211-meter structure. The team had to accommodate diverse program requirements within the tower's slender form. Strict local building codes and the site's proximity to green spaces added complexity. The solution created distinct zones while maintaining visual cohesion through the cloud-inspired motif.
8Future workplace standards
Kingdee Tower represents the evolution of corporate campuses in the post-pandemic era. Its design prioritizes spaces that foster innovation and employee wellbeing equally. The project may influence how tech companies approach their physical presence globally. As workplaces compete for talent, such architectural statements become strategic differentiators beyond mere functionality.
Original article: ArchDaily Global — Kingdee Tower: HENN's Cloud-Inspired Office Design in Shenzhen