John Portman & Associates to provide Urban design for a new CBD in Xi’an and architectural design for key iconic buildings within the Feng Dong Sector

John Portman & Associates is pleased to announce that the firm won a design competition to provide master planning and design services for the Great Xi’an New Center, Xi’an Center Business District, Feng Dong Sector Kick-Off Area Project. In addition to urban design, the project includes the architectural design of three iconic buildings within the master planned area. The total land area involved is approximately 3,372,333 sf (313,300 sm) with a projected built area of approximately 15,069,475 sf (1.4 million sm) above grade.

The plan addresses goals set forth by President Xi Jinping for Xi’an, the historical starting point of the ancient Silk Road, strengthening the city’s position as the economic center of northwest China by becoming a milestone for a new Silk Road Economic Belt. The development physically and functionally integrates residential, hotel, office, retail, entertainment and green spaces with pedestrian connections on multiple levels to create a dynamic, people-oriented city center in harmony with nature.

While John Portman & Associates has been active in China for over 30 years, this project represents the firm’s first in Xi’an. Grace Tan, AIA, President of John Portman & Associates, credits the firm’s humanistic approach for the win, “We have stayed true to our design philosophy of striving to enhance the experience for the users, while creating a sound investment for the owners.”

The project is expected to roll out in phases over many years, resulting in an inviting world-class, sustainable city center that will raise the stature of Xi’an on the international stage.