Beijing Central Business District

OMA’s CBD Core concept began with an observation about the limitations of conventional skyscraper-based business districts. High-rise towers have transformed central business areas into environments that often look and function almost the same everywhere. At the same time, major changes in global economics and rapid developments in information technology have completely reshaped the way office work operates.

Although digital communication has made information more accessible and flexible than ever before, it has also increased the value of direct human contact. In the early 21st century, successful business is no longer only about exchanging information—it is about communication, collaboration, and personal interaction.

Creating a New Workplace Environment

Based on this idea, the CBD Core needed to establish a new type of urban structure that encourages people to connect and communicate. However, with plans for Beijing’s Central Business District to contain more than 300 high-rise buildings, the challenge was how to create a landmark that could stand apart from a landscape filled with isolated towers and separated office spaces.

Instead of following the traditional model of independent skyscrapers with private central cores, the project explored a different approach that would bring people together through shared spaces and interconnected environments.

From Tower Structure to Urban Network

The key realization behind the CBD Core design was that the same amount of urban space can be arranged in many different forms. It can exist as a compact vertical tower or as a more distributed network spread across a larger area.

The CBD Core developed into a low-rise network made up of scattered central hubs, adaptable office courtyards, commercial spaces, and recreational areas. This arrangement encourages greater interaction among users while creating a business district that remains active throughout the entire day and night.

A Combination of Horizontal and Vertical Connections

To complement the series of distributed horizontal spaces, the design also introduces a dense vertical network positioned above one of Beijing’s peripheral urban highways. This system integrates different functions, including offices, residential apartments, and hotels, creating additional connections between various parts of the district.

Through the combination of open horizontal communities and interconnected vertical structures, Beijing’s CBD Core transforms the traditional business district into a place where nature, work, leisure, and urban life exist together.

Ultimately, the CBD Core vision creates an environment that is both completely public and fully functional—a concept described as “100% Park, 100% Program.”