conceived to sit on the water in shenzhen, china, XTU architects? latest concept combines architecture with nature to create an impressive series of multi-functional buildings. titled ?X_PUR?, the proposal is the result of a research project on what the team has dubbed the ?holocene architecture? era. inspired by the natural environment, the design intends to form part of the landscape and contribute towards a positive transformation of the earth.

view towards the sea
all images courtesy of XTU architects
 
 
for the design of the project, XTU architects took inspiration from great natural landscapes such as halong bay in vietnam, the chinese city of guilin, the huang mountain range in eastern china and the lofoten archipelago in norway. just like these natural formations, X_PUR appears to rise from the water. covered in green vegetation at the base, the towers imagine a built environment that combines architecture with nature.
in the fog
 
 
for the program of the X_PUR project, the green lower floors are planned to host cultural activities, while the upper floors comprise of a glazed lobby and hotel rooms. at the interface of these two areas there are spas, which invite guests to enjoy a moment of total relaxation. the upper levels are occupied by panoramic restaurants, bars and nightclubs. in essence, the concept intends to create an architecture that?s like both living in the city and in nature.

viewed at night from below

imagined in 2050 with the rise of the ...