Breaking Ground: The Architectural Projects Beginning Construction

Suhewan Skyscraper

Shanghai, China

Architects: Foster + Partners

At the end of September it was announced that work had begun on the 200m-high Suhewan Skyscraper. Part of a wider regeneration plan for China Resources Land, the 42-story tower will, once completed, be the first office tower in the surrounding residential district. It will sit in contrast to an adjacent park, providing dramatic views of the city. “[The] China Resources Land Suhewan project occupies a pivotal position in the city, as a rapidly growing area for new businesses. In consonance with the city’s future vision for the area, our focus has been to provide a modern landmark inspired by its rich history and industrial past,” said Gerard Evenden, head of studio, Foster + Partners.

Image courtesy of Foster + Partners

Star Metals

Atlanta, USA

Architects: Oppenheim Architecture

The sprawling mixed-use Star Metals project has begun construction in Atlanta. Covering two distinct schemes across 1.36 million square feet, the project consists of a 14-story building accommodating offices, terraces, retail and parking, alongside a nine-story residential building that will host 400 units. The project is designed to reference the historical industry of the surrounding area. “We looked to the incredible industrial heritage of the site to evoke the spirit of the place. The area is marked by the astonishing convergence of cargo train activities and its traces as a metallurgic production center – incredible past industrial conditions,” said Chad Oppenheim, principal of Oppenheim Architecture.

Image courtesy of Luxigon

Quzhou Sports Campus

Zhejiang, China

Architects: MAD Architects

At the start of October MAD Architects announced that it had begun construction on its boldly futuristic Quzhou Sports campus. Covering 700,000m², it features natural and organic forms to function as a sports park while referencing the thousands of years of history in the surrounding area. “We dream not only of creating an urban space about sports and ecology, but also turning it into a unique land art park for the world, establishing a relationship between the city’s heritage and history of Shanshui Culture,” said Ma Yansong, project leader at MAD Architects.

Image courtesy of MAD Architects

House of Hungarian Music

Budapest, Hungary

Architects: Sou Fujimoto

Commencing construction at the start of September, the House of Hungarian Music is designed to be a “modern and extravagant home for music”. Taking inspiration from both the natural world and the musical sphere, it features a dramatic floating roof inspired by sound waves. The building is designed to seamlessly flow into the surrounding park, producing a light airy space that is intended to evoke the feeling of openness.

Image courtesy of Varosliget Zrt

Block 9

Fargo, USA

Architects: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

At the start of September the groundbreaking ceremony was held for Block 9, an 18-story mixed-use tower in Fargo, North Dakota. Designed to reflect the scale of the wider city and surrounding buildings, it features a vast public plaza with retail, office, hotel and residential facilities. Inspired the by the prairies, it will be constructed using timber and local stone. “Fargo is the future of great American mid-sized cities, representing a rich heritage and quality of life while fostering the opportunity to create a new urban story. With sensitivity to the history, scale, and rhythm of the city, Block 9 supports a vibrant, mixed-used programme to strengthen the urban fabric and activate Fargo’s downtown area,” said Brian Lee, design partner at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.

Image courtesy of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill