The Moving Facade of Bund Finance Center, Shanghai

A new financial quarter is being built near the waterfront of Shanghai's old town. Designed by British architectural firms, Foster + Partners and Heatherwick Studio, the 420,000 square meter development includes two 180-meter-high landmark towers, containing offices, a boutique hotel, and a wide variety of luxury retail spaces. At the heart of the scheme is the arts and cultural center with a flexible façade that can be changed to dramatically alter the look of the building. Inspired by traditional Chinese theatres, the three-story building features a curtain-like facade of bronze tubes that resemble bamboos. These tubes hang in three layers, creating semi-transparent screens in front of windows and balconies. When the design was first announced, the architects described this facade as "a moving veil, which adapts to the changing use of the building, and reveals the stage on the balcony and views towards Pudong". Details about the building is scarce at the moment. All photographs courtesy Laurian Ghinitoiu. Also read: Al Bahar Towers’ Responsive Sun Shades via Dezeen