A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Project’s Progress
The CCTV Headquarters in Beijing breaks away from typical skyscraper design with its unusual angular form. This unconventional building has become a focal point for architects and design lovers around the world.
As the headquarters of China Central Television, this 234-meter (768-foot) tower rises 51 floors above the Beijing Central Business District. Located on East Third Ring Road at Guanghua Road, the building occupies 473,000 square meters through its innovative loop-like structure composed of six interconnected horizontal and vertical sections. The design creates a continuous loop that defies gravity, with two leaning towers connected by a dramatic cantilever that extends 75 meters without ground support.
Construction began on June 1, 2004, presenting unprecedented engineering challenges. The complex geometry required innovative steel construction techniques and advanced computer modeling to ensure structural integrity. The facade was completed by January 2008, featuring a diagrid system of diagonal steel members that both supports the structure and creates the building’s mesh-like exterior pattern.
The landmark emerged from the collaboration between architects Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren of OMA, while Cecil Balmond of Arup handled the intricate engineering challenges. Their vision was to reimagine the traditional office tower as a three-dimensional urban experience, creating internal spaces that would encourage interaction and collaboration among the broadcaster’s various departments.
The Times recognized it as one of 2007’s ten most ambitious architectural projects of 2007, and the building was finished in time for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Beyond housing CCTV’s operations, the structure includes a public theater, exhibition spaces, and a hotel. Photographer Matteo Damiani has captured a few images of the “Big Pants,” as it was nicknamed among Beijing residents for its trouser-like silhouette.
CCTV headquarters images
Pictures: Matteo Damiani
Source: la sede della CCTV a Beijing, wikipedia
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