New York designer Ennead Architects has unveiled its plans for an international headquarters for Chinese electronics maker Xiaomi in the city of Shenzhen.
Located in the Houhai financial area, the 45,600 sq m development will house the company’s offices and a flagship store for its products. These will be located in a podium clad with a wraparound LED screen, and topped by a “Mi Rubik’s Cube” tower.
According to Ennead, the cube is intended to give the sense of upward movement, as if it were floating above the city.
Peter Schubert, Ennead Architects’ design partner, said: “The inspiration for the design comes from the focus on technology and the sense of wonder that Xiaomi brings to the public.
“The interior layout of the ‘Mi Rubik’s Cube’ is based on architectural circulation and guides the interaction and integration of various spaces, while the exterior concretely represents the unremitting innovation and collaborative spirit of Xiaomi’s culture and mission.”
Grace Chen, Ennead Architects’ principal, said: “Our goal is to design a more flexible and modular environment that can be adapted to suit the ever-changing technological landscape.
“The ‘Mi Rubik’s Cube’ will not only be the headquarters of Xiaomi, but also a vehicle through which the public can understand Xiaomi. We want to create an enduring home for cutting-edge design.”
Work on the project is due to be completed in 2024.
