Chongqing - On November 17, esteemed architect Moshe Safdie, renowned for his visionary approach to design, visited Chongqing for the first time since the completion of his landmark project, Raffles City Chongqing. This visit marks a significant moment as Safdie witnessed firsthand the culmination of a project that embodies his principles of uplifting humanity, celebrating nature, and blending architecture seamlessly with local culture.

Raffles City Chongqing (Photo/Shao Feng)

Raffles City Chongqing, an iconic part of the city's skyline, showcases Safdie Architects' trademark innovation. The centerpiece of the development is The Crystal, recognized as the world's highest horizontal skyscraper. Suspended 250 meters above ground and 300 meters in length, it connects four of the complex's eight towers. The Crystal is an architectural marvel with its accordion-like steel trusses and 3,000 glass panels. It is also a functional space housing observation decks, a club with an infinity pool, restaurants, and a hotel lobby. Mr Safdie describes the swimming pool of The Crystal as his favorite spot in the whole building for its "surrealistic beauty." The pool provides sweeping views of the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers and highlights Chongqing's astonishing achievements of urbanization.

Moshe Safdie in Chongqing (Photo/Feng Xiaolou)

Safdie's design encompasses more than just aesthetics. The eight towers, two of which soar to 350 meters, include residential, office, hotel, and mixed-use spaces. These structures feature "sail-like" sun-shading screens, echoing the city's historical connection to maritime trade. The five-level podium shopping mall, with themed corridors reflecting the colors of the adjacent rivers, seamlessly integrates with the urban fabric, enhanced by natural lighting through extensive skylights. Mr Safdie is proud of the sense of inclusiveness in his design: "The roof is at the level of the streets, and we proposed that it should become a park for all." Raffles City Chongqing only has different parts to attend to different needs and functions but posits itself as a public park of the city for all Chongqing people.

A testament to sustainable urban design, Raffles City Chongqing earned LEED Gold certification thanks to its energy-efficient systems and thoughtful rainwater management. The 30,000-square-meter rooftop garden, larger than New York's Madison Square Park, acts as a green haven, hosting art sculptures and connecting to the city's pathways through a network that preserves Chongqing's unique terrain.

Raffles City Chongqing (Photo/Shao Feng)

Safdie's visit celebrates architectural achievement and highlights the collaboration between global design excellence and local cultural elements. It allows the architect, who has spent 60 years championing socially responsible and human-centric designs, to experience the realization of his work in one of China's most vibrant cities.