This is the Bank of China skyscraper. It is designed around the division of the square into four right triangles:
I think the division is really cool. The tower was designed by I.M. Pei, who was famous for designing an Olympic Stadium. It is 1000 ft. tall (not including the two masts on top), with 72 stories. It is also the fourth tallest skyscraper in Hong Kong. Now, most of the floors are not used by the bank, but are rented out.
The building is supported by steel columns in the corners of the building. The weight of the building is transferred to these by the X shapes on the facade. In Hong Kong, the "feng shui" of a building is important to the people in Hong Kong. The "feng shui" idea is how the building looks in regard to traditions and superstition. When Pei was designing the building, he got feedback about the building, and modified by taking away to some extent the sharp edges of the tower, and masking (again, to some extent), the X shape. In the post I did of the HSBC main building (HERE), Foster put two lions in front of the building that were part of the old building:
They were praised as good "feng shui", and are considered lucky to the building, as they represent the two original owners of the Bank.
So, "feng shui" is an important part of Hong Kong architecture. Pei gave a lot of thought to it when he designed the tower. He wanted the tower to be accepted by the people.
This building is iconic, is one of I.M. Pei's major works, and is an integral part of Hong Kong's skyline.
I have always wanted to post on this building, so now I have. Merry Christmas!
