Shanghai West Bund Orbit by Heatherwick studio | Aalborg White Based GRC Cladding

Designed by Heatherwick Studio, the West Bund Orbit, a public exhibition hall, graces the Shanghai West Bund Waterfront. Seamlessly integrated into the new financial district and connected to the cultural riverside park, the Orbit is a meticulously designed public space meant to be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors. Building facade, a captivating series of interwoven ribbons, shapes curving staircases, bridges, and terraces accessible to the public. Beyond aesthetics, these architectural features serve a functional purpose, enabling visitors to ascend to the building's rooftop garden, offering a delightful experience with multiple viewing platforms.

The ribbon staircases, a captivating feature of the building, draw inspiration from traditional Chinese moon bridges, infused with a futuristic twist. The intricate cladding design process involved extensive parametric considerations for panel division and positioning. Material selection underwent rigorous testing, exploring metal, ceramic, and GRC, with GRC chosen for its elegant curvilinear flow. Heatherwick selected various aggregates to the GRC finishes, opting for pearl shell's reflective effect. Zhuhai Shantai Precaster used Aalborg White cement to produce GRC elements, each belt comprising seven layers. 

The striking GRC claddings allows Orbit to be the prominent landmark along the Huangpu River, serving as a vital public space in new financial district.