Heatherwick Studio celebrating Xi’an’s heritage through innovative urban design
Heatherwick Studio has unveiled a new district in Xi’an that celebrates the city’s deep-rooted heritage in craftsmanship and ceramics. Situated south of Xi’an’s historic center, the Xi’an Centre Culture Business District (CCBD) is strategically located between the ancient Temple of Heaven ruins and the towering Shaanxi TV structure. This district integrates a multifaceted design, blending retail areas, offices, residential accommodations, open plazas, and green spaces into a cohesive urban landscape.
The design pays homage to Xi’an’s legacy through its innovative use of ceramics. Over 100,000 uniquely glazed tiles, developed in collaboration with local artisans, adorn the facades, columns, and beams throughout the 155,000-square-meter neighborhood. These tiles, inspired by the city’s renowned Terracotta Army, add both texture and tactility to the architectural ensemble, encouraging visitors to engage physically with the structures. After more than 2,000 experiments and life-sized prototypes, the resulting design exemplifies a commitment to intricate craftsmanship and material innovation.
Thomas Heatherwick, founder and design director of Heatherwick Studio, emphasized the district’s focus on creating a vibrant public space. Rejecting the conventional approach of isolating buildings with standard landscaping, the project introduces an interconnected, multidimensional urban environment that fosters community interaction. Heatherwick highlighted the goal of designing spaces that are both joyful and contemporary while maintaining a deep connection to Xi’an’s rich history.
At the heart of the district lies the central plaza, anchored by the Xi’an Tree, a vertical park that serves as both a visual and functional centerpiece. This structure, rising over 57 meters, features 56 elevated terraces forming cascading gardens that mimic the biomes of the Silk Road, from alpine tundra to arid steppes. The Xi’an Tree not only provides a natural gathering point but also offers panoramic views of the district and the broader cityscape, presenting a harmonious balance of nature and urban design.
The development’s layered architecture ensures visual complexity across multiple scales. From afar, the district’s skyline, inspired by traditional Chinese temple roofs, establishes a unique identity within the city. At street level, the interwoven terraces and landscapes create dynamic perspectives, while close-up details—such as ceramic planters and hand-carved timber railings—offer a tactile and sensory experience.
According to Mat Cash, a partner at Heatherwick Studio, the project counters the often impersonal nature of large-scale urban developments. By infusing the district with local traditions and diverse textures, the design aims to create a neighborhood that feels organically connected to the city’s fabric and serves as a space for future generations to enjoy.
All images by Qingyan Zhu, courtesy of Heatherwick Studio, shared with permission
Heatherwick Studio: https://heatherwick.com/
