Xi'an, China has unveiled its groundbreaking Center Culture Business District (CCBD), a revolutionary architectural complex designed by London-based Heatherwick Studio that seamlessly blends ancient Chinese heritage with cutting-edge contemporary design. The district, strategically positioned just south of the city's historic center between the ruins of the Temple of Heaven and the prominent Shaanxi TV tower, opened to the public in December 2024 and represents a new paradigm in urban development.

At the heart of this ambitious project stands the Xi'an Tree, an extraordinary vertical park featuring 56 elevated petal-shaped terraces that create both a stunning visual landmark and functional green spaces. These cascading garden terraces not only form a distinctive architectural silhouette but also offer panoramic views of Xi'an's sprawling cityscape while serving as outdoor recreational areas for residents and visitors.

The CCBD functions as a comprehensive multipurpose neighborhood, integrating retail spaces, office buildings, residential apartments, and extensive public areas with abundant greenery and plazas. The surrounding buildings feature carefully designed sloping roofs that are subtly angled toward the central Tree structure, creating remarkable visual continuity throughout the entire district.

"Instead of simply making different buildings, and paving and planting the space in between them, there was the opportunity to craft an unexpected three-dimensional urban landscape on many levels," explained Thomas Heatherwick, founder and design director of Heatherwick Studio. This innovative approach transforms traditional urban planning concepts into a cohesive, interconnected environment.

The garden terraces of the Xi'an Tree pay homage to China's rich historical legacy by recreating the diverse biomes of the ancient Silk Road. Visitors can experience everything from alpine tundras to arid steppes as they move through the different levels, creating an educational journey through China's geographical and cultural heritage.

A particularly striking aspect of the CCBD is its extensive use of ceramics throughout the complex, serving as both functional and artistic elements. Custom-crafted ceramic tiles clad building facades, columns, and curving structural beams, creating a cohesive aesthetic that directly references Xi'an's world-famous Terracotta Army, which consists of thousands of life-size soldiers and horses dating back over 2,000 years.

The ceramic elements required unprecedented collaboration with local artisans, as Heatherwick's design team worked closely with Xi'an craftspeople to produce more than 100,000 individual tiles, each featuring a unique glaze. This meticulous attention to detail creates a distinctly tactile experience throughout the district, where visitors are encouraged not merely to observe but to physically interact with the building surfaces.

"We wanted to infuse our project in Xi'an with the spirit, variety, and texture that happens naturally in cities over time," noted Mat Cash, partner and group leader at Heatherwick Studio. "The district pays homage to the city's tradition of making and its historic connection to ceramics. It's a place which invites you to reach out and touch it."

The commitment to ceramic craftsmanship extends to the smallest details throughout the complex, including glazed elevator buttons and door handles, ceramic planters, soft-edged stone elements, and hand-carved timber handrails and seating areas. This comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of the visitor experience reflects the district's dedication to tactile, sensory engagement.

The project represents a masterful balance between honoring Xi'an's ancient cultural heritage and embracing contemporary urban needs. The district's design philosophy emphasizes community engagement and social interaction, creating spaces where people naturally gather and connect while surrounded by both historical references and modern amenities.

"The goal of the whole project was to find a joyful and contemporary way to respond to the history of Xi'an, and bring people together," Heatherwick concluded. The Xi'an CCBD stands as a testament to innovative architectural thinking that respects cultural legacy while boldly reimagining urban living for the 21st century.