Kengo Kuma and Associates creates a pleated aluminium mesh façade for its shanghai office tower

Kengo Kuma and Associates has completed the design and construction for their ‘Hongkou Soho’ office tower located in the Hongkou district in Shanghai. The building creates a sense of openness through the distinctive aluminium façades and the public areas that are distributed around the building aesthetically.

A number of 18mm width ‘pleats’ make up the surface of the façade giving the building its exotic look.

The 95,000 sqm building is wrapped in a pattern of pleated aluminium mesh measuring 18mm in width and the design creates the visual appeal of a woven lace. Kengo Kuma and Associates has described the building facades as a ‘soft dress for women’. Apart from the beautiful design, the pleats create an interesting play in light and shadow depending on the positioning of the sun during different times of the day. The theme of pleats continues in the interior too throughout the ceilings and walls as seen in the double height atrium space and lobby areas. The organic and sculptural panels roll across the surfaces and give a dynamic atmosphere to the interior.

{alcircleadd} The pleats change their looks gradually due to the angle, strength, and positioning of the sun and the naturally illuminated office spaces add to the beauty of the building.