Global architecture firm Aedes has conceptualized a new mixed-use high-rise in an urban area of China that could allow residents to live, work, relax, and shop, all without ever leaving the building.

Designed to help revitalize the Ba Gua Ling industrial zone at the heart of Shenzhen, the 55-story construction features a retail podium on the first few levels, with two towers that grow upward before splitting into four above a sky-park level. Calling it Shirble – The Prime (after the Chinese Department store that would be housed below), one of the building’s towers would be for offices and the other three for residential apartments.

The basic design inspiration for the high-rise was the Golden Winged Great Peng, a Chinese Buddhist eagle guardian who redeemed himself from his evil ways after listening to the Buddha’s teachings. He was then made the spiritual uncle to the Buddha and was said to have watched over all the world as he guarded the exalted throne of the great teacher. Shenzhen’s Ba Gua Ling district used to be a hub for the printing industry but has since seen a lot of urban blight and increasing vacancy rates. By calling on the Peng imagery, Shirble – The Prime hopes to make the area prosperous and desirable place once again. The roof lines of the towers mimic the wings of the Great Peng spreading up to the sky, while the lower levels incorporate lined details reminiscent of a bird’s feathers. And with its sheer height (about...