Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), in collaboration with China International Marine Containers Group (CIMC), has officially begun construction on the CIMC Global Headquarters in Shenzhen‘s Qianhai district. The 53-story, 270-meter-tall skyscraper is poised to become a new landmark in the region. The design was awarded to SOM after winning an international competition, with plans to set new standards for sustainability and innovation in the continually growing city.

As a leader in the transportation and energy equipment industries, CIMC’s new headquarters reflects its industry stature and commitment to sustainability. The SOM design merges high-performance corporate functions with Shenzhen’s natural landscape, resulting in a vertical mixed-use development. The building will be programmed with office space, retail outlets, and conference facilities, introducing new workspaces for more than 60,000 employees.

visualizations by Atchain © SOM

With the design of Shenzhen’s upcoming CIMC tower, the architects at global studio SOM took inspiration by the mountainous landscapes depicted in traditional Chinese scroll paintings. With this influence, the team incorporates three nature-focused amenity zones. At the core of the tower, a central sky lobby will serve as a green gathering area, bringing a touch of nature into the urban space. The building will feature a rooftop garden offering panoramic views of Qianhai Bay, and a tiered podium at the base, blending nature with the surrounding urban environment. Outdoor terraces, walking paths, and lush green spaces are key elements in fostering a healthy, dynamic workspace.

The building’s base is designed as a staggered podium, housing an expansive office lobby and a sunlit atrium. These areas connect to street-level retail and dining spaces, creating a welcoming environment for both employees and visitors. A sunken plaza links the development to Shenzhen’s subway system, facilitating easy access to public transit. From the street level, visitors can take landscaped walkways to the second-floor bridge level, which offers elevated views of the cityscape.

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill begins construction on CIMC global headquarters in Shenzhen

In line with CIMC’s commitment to sustainability and high-quality development in Shenzhen, the design by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) integrates cutting-edge manufacturing technology and environmental strategies. The tower will incorporate energy-efficient systems, such as intelligent daylight sensing, photovoltaic panels, and optimized materials. These efforts aim to meet the highest environmental standards, including Three-Star Green Building, LEED, and WELL Platinum certifications. With the groundbreaking now complete, the CIMC Global Headquarters is on track for a 2029 completion.

the tower will rise 270 meters with 53 stories and serve as a landmark in Qianhai

three nature-infused amenity zones include a sky lobby, rooftop garden, and tiered podium