The Gate of the Orient in Suzhou, also known as the “Pants Building,” is a uniquely shaped skyscraper located in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. The design concept of the building is a fusion of traditional culture and modern architectural style.
Designed by Wang Dashui, the building reaches a total height of 301.8 meters and consists of two parts: the North Tower and the South Tower. These two parts are connected at a height of 238 meters, forming a gate-like structure, hence the name “Gate of the Orient.”
The building is renowned not only for its distinctive appearance but also for its impressive interior design.
Sky Garden
The top of the Gate of the Orient features a unique arched glass curtain wall system that encloses an open “greenhouse space,” which is designed as two presidential suites in a traditional Chinese classical style, one in each tower. This design not only adds green elements to the building but also reflects a respect for and inheritance of traditional culture.
Structural Design
The Gate of the Orient is hailed as one of China’s most structurally complex skyscrapers. Its structural design focuses on earthquake and wind resistance, with multiple trusses and structural reinforcement layers creating an effective structural system. The arched main structure design within the inner frames of the North and South Towers allows vertical loads to be efficiently transferred downward, reducing the complex stress on the connecting parts.
Functional Layout
The Gate of the Orient serves multiple purposes, including a luxury hotel, serviced apartments, office spaces, and a large shopping mall. The interior design features a canal running through the North and South Towers, a grand dome commercial corridor, and numerous mezzanine shops. These elements not only enrich the internal space of the building but also offer visitors a diverse and engaging experience.
Construction Process
The development of the Gate of the Orient, from an abandoned project to a new landmark building, is a story of perseverance and determination. The construction process overcame numerous challenges, involving the use of double girder gantry cranes, tower cranes, and a variety of construction machinery. The building ultimately became a symbol of resilience, emerging as a new landmark in Suzhou and a testament to the strength found in overcoming adversity
Awards and Honors
The Gate of the Orient has received numerous accolades, including titles such as “China’s Most Structurally Complex Skyscraper,” “China’s Highest Infinity Pool,” and “China’s Highest Sky Bridge.” These honors attest to the building’s excellence in architectural design, functionality, and aesthetics.
The completion of the Gate of the Orient not only showcases the charm of blending modern architecture with traditional culture but also solidifies its status as a central landmark in Suzhou Industrial Park’s Lake West CBD, attracting attention from both domestic and international visitors.
