Fancy working in a suspended high-rise building?

After six years scattered around various buildings in Shenzhen, China, DJI workers have finally returned home following the completion of the drone company’s new headquarters in the city’s Nanshan District.

Called Sky City and designed by an architectural team from Foster + Partners, the two structures – standing at 40 and 44 stories respectively – boast of some ground-breaking asymmetrical suspension designs never seen on high rise buildings of this scale before, according to a statement from the company.

Consulting company Arup also provided integrated engineering design and consulting services to help realise this futuristic complex; the scope of their services covering structural, mechanical, electrical, public health engineering, fire, façade and transport consulting.

“Drone technology has changed the way we experience the world around us, while pushing the boundaries of aerial possibilities,” said Lord Foster, Founder and Executive Chairman, Foster + Partners. “I have enjoyed using DJI products for more than a decade. We are delighted to have partnered with DJI in creating their new headquarters in Shenzhen, which will be the company’s premier centre of research and innovation.”

The company added that the purpose-built structure puts physical form to the company’s name, Da-Jiang Innovations (“Innovation Without Borders” in Mandarin).

“Across its 200-meter height, Sky City exemplifies how DJI has matured from a flight technology start-up to a global innovation leader,” read part of the statement from DJI.

“Across the towers, the company’s office, research, and development areas are arranged in floating volumes cantilevered from central cores by large megatrusses, giving the impression from the distance as if the buildings were suspended in the air.

“The first use of an asymmetrical suspension steel structure in high-rise towers of this scale, the innovative structure reduces the need for columns, thus creating uninterrupted working spaces that express “Innovation Without Borders” in architectural terms.

“The structure also houses drone flight testing labs over four stories – tailored for the company’s first-in-class product development practices – made possible by the unique V-shaped trusses that give the towers a distinctive identity, against the backdrop of Shenzhen’s skyline.”

Standing at a mammoth 105 meters, the towers are connected by a 90-meter-long suspension skybridge, a lightweight element that creates an elegant connection between the two volumes. The company say the bridge serves as a symbol of how all departments at DJI are linked to reach a common goal.

At ground level, the lifted volumes draw the surrounding greenery into the base of the buildings via a sloping podium garden that is open to the public. The ground floor also features public facilities such as a community healthcare centre.

At the entrance, each of the lobbies showcases a black pine surrounded by a Zen garden, set against a striated wall made by the rammed-earth design process, giving a harmonious combination of hard-pressed geometry and undulating nature, the progress of tomorrow and the roots of the past, complementing each other in peace.

Foster + Partners developed solutions meeting the DJI’s wish to create a sustainable building, which resulted in floorplates made to maximize daylight while reducing energy consumption. The TWIN lift system reduces the number of shafts required and increases usable office floor area. Its intelligent control system also allows reduction of energy consumption during off-peak periods.

The building also allows for the harvesting and storage of rainwater for reuse, and the water is recycled for irrigation of the landscape – which also buffers rains during monsoon season.

“It took us six years to build the new DJI Headquarters, which is the result of the wisdom and determination of DJI and our valued partners,” said Frank Wang, Founder and CEO of DJI.

“We see Sky City as a product unlike any we’ve ever made: our real home. At the beginning of a new era for DJI, we pay great attention to the growth and well-being of every employee. This starts with a work environment that is both practical and delightful. I hope that Sky City will inspire all of us to work together and scale new heights of progress, wisdom, and possibilities to develop solutions that benefit society.”

Arup also sent out a statement about its contribution to the erection of this iconic hanging structure.

“Our structural design played a key role in realising this unique hanging structure with exposed steelwork, creating a large span of column-free and flexible space for collaboration and innovation,” the company said.

“Our design features composite beams with large openings penetrating through them to integrate the MEP facilities, achieving higher headroom for larger functional areas.

“Mobility and connectivity are key to the success of this creative community. Our transport consultants worked closely with our structural and MEP experts and the architect to develop the best solutions. We adopted the innovative twin lift system and provided a pedestrian simulation service to ensure efficient use of the interior space while reducing energy consumption during peak-hours.”