In the world of towering skyscrapers and innovative spaces, finding a unique architectural voice can be challenging. Aedas stands out as a titan in architecture, transforming city skylines across the globe.
Our blog will guide you through their groundbreaking designs and how they've revolutionized modern architecture. To discover Aedas' world-class impact on design – keep reading!
Key Takeaways
- Aedas is a big architecture firm that has changed cities around the world with their buildings.
- The company started in Hong Kong in 1985 and now works on projects everywhere, from Asia to America.
- They have won many prizes for making beautiful and smart designs.
- Aedas designs include tall skyscrapers, train stations, and places where you can shop or have fun all under one roof.
- Their work is known for sustainable design efforts because they use materials and ideas that don't harm the environment.
Overview of Aedas' Impact and Recognitions
Aedas stands as a titan in the realm of global architecture, its influence extending far and wide through innovative design and notable contributions to the cityscapes of the world.
With a history rich in acclaim, this architectural powerhouse garners international awards that testify to its commitment to excellence and ingenuity within the industry.
Beginnings
Keith Griffiths set the stage for global influence in architecture when he started Aedas back in 2002. He established the firm's first office in Hong Kong, with a clear vision to merge local cultural understanding with large-scale architectural projects.
The company quickly showed its strength by designing spaces that brought art and life together, from tall corporate buildings to lively educational facilities.
This bold start laid a strong foundation for what would become one of the world's most recognized design firms. With an eye on expansion beyond Hong Kong, Aedas began crafting significant structures around the globe—each reflecting deep respect for culture and place.

Global Expansion
Aedas has grown far beyond its beginnings, with work happening all around the world. It's not just a company in one place; it has offices across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the USA too.
This big network means Aedas knows a lot about different places and cultures. They bring this knowledge into their building designs.
Their projects reach from Mainland China to Singapore, and even to America! Architects at Aedas design cool buildings like skyscrapers with gardens high up in the sky. They make sure each building fits well with what people need in that city or country.
That way, every project is special for where it's built.

Awards and Recognitions
Aedas stands out in the world of architecture and design and the firm's creativity and quality have earned them many awards and honors, such as:
- International Architecture Awards 2023:
Jing Brand (Wuhan) Real Estate Project, Wuhan, China: This project was designed by Global Design Principal Dr. Andy Wen and Executive Director Yijun Qian. It was recognized with a Winner Award at the International Architecture Awards 2023.
- International Architecture Awards 2021:
Hengqin International Financial Center, Zhuhai, China: Led by Chairman and Global Design Principal Keith Griffiths and Global Design Principal Andy Wen, this project features a 339-metre high tower on Hengqin Island. The design is inspired by the famous painting ‘Nine Dragons’.

Aedas’ Unique Design Philosophy and Approach
Aedas stands out in the realm of architecture and design, propelled by a visionary philosophy that emphasizes a balance between innovative, high-concept designs and practical responses to local contexts.
This approach ensures each project not only exhibits architectural excellence but also resonates with its environment and community, fostering spaces that truly belong.
Distinctive Design Process
Creating buildings that stand out and fit in at the same time is what Aedas does best. They look at what makes a place special and use those ideas in their designs. This means each building tells a story about where it's from. Aedas uses local traditions, cultures, and even landscapes to inspire how a building will look and feel.
They also think hard about how people will use each space. Their projects can include places for work, fun, shopping, or learning all in one spot. They are experts at making these mixed spaces work well together so cities can have more room. Along with being pretty and useful, they want their buildings to be good for Earth too. So they choose materials that don't hurt the environment.

Goyah, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Concept-driven approach
Aedas takes its ideas a step further with their concept-driven approach. Their designs don't just look good; they tell stories and honor local culture. Each building starts as a powerful idea that grows from the area's history, nature, and people.
This way, Aedas makes architecture that feels right at home where it stands.It shows how buildings can be modern but still feel connected to their roots.

Notable Projects
Aedas' portfolio is a testament to its design prowess, featuring remarkable structures that blend innovation with cultural sensitivity. Delve into a selection of their most impressive works, each showcasing the firm's capability to transform skylines and influence the fabric of cities around the globe.
World Capital Tower, Jakarta
The World Capital Tower, a mixed-use development stands at 244 meters and is a pivotal element in the city's 'Golden Triangle' CBD district, the center of the Mega Kuningan area. The tower integrates Grade-A office and podium retail space, reflecting its role in the bustling capital city.
The design of the Tower is a blend of simplicity and refinement, characterized by its vertically curved planes that bring a sense of unity and coherence between the podium and the tower. This design approach ensures a timeless appearance and aligns with the strong geometric lines of Jakarta’s urban fabric.
The World Capital Tower was recognized for its outstanding architectural design, winning the Best Office Architectural Design Award at the 5th Indonesia Property Awards in 2019. This accolade highlights the project's significant contribution to the region's architectural landscape.

Hong Kong West Kowloon Station
The Hong Kong West Kowloon Station is not just a transit hub but a new gateway to Mainland China, connecting to the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong high-speed rail service. Spanning over a length of 142 km, it links with the National High-speed Rail network stretching more than 25,000 km.
The design features over 3 hectares of 'green plaza,' making the space inviting and integrating it with the cityscape. Moreover, the interior design resembles a forest, with steel columns supporting a vast floating roof, lifting up 4,000 glass panels to allow natural light. Andrew Bromberg's design approach emphasizes the station's openness and people-centric nature, setting a foundation for Hong Kong's vibrant and promising future.

Olympia 66
Just as the Hong Kong West Kowloon Station reflects Aedas' ability to create transportation marvels, Olympia 66 in Dalian showcases their skill in designing large commercial complexes.
This landmark building is a mixed-use development that blends shopping, dining, and entertainment under one massive roof. Its unique architecture draws people from far and wide, making it much more than just a place to shop; it's an experience.
Olympia 66 stands out with its innovative design that echoes the flow of the surrounding city streets. The architects at Aedas crafted this space to be both functional and visually stunning.
Covering 221,900 square meters, Olympia 66 has received several awards, including the Gold Award at the 2017 Asia Pacific Shopping Center Awards. Its innovative design and sustainable approach have earned it a LEED Gold precertification, highlighting its commitment to environmental responsibility.

Lè Architecture, Taipei
Lè Architecture in Taipei, designed by Aedas and completed in 2017, is a notable addition to Taipei's skyline, drawing inspiration from river pebbles.
This influence is evident in its rounded form and elegant design, which also symbolizes strength and character. Located near the Jilong River and a major highway, the building has a total development area of 14,169 sq m.
Its unique design has earned it several accolades, including the International Property Awards 2017 for Best International Office Architecture and recognition from the Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Awards 2019.

Boulevard Plaza
Boulevard Plaza redefines the skyline of Downtown Dubai with its striking, fluid geometry. Comprising two towers of 30 and 36 storeys, this iconic development offers elite commercial office space in the heart of the city’s business district. The project is distinguished by its unique layered glass façade, which draws inspiration from traditional Islamic architecture to provide efficient shading while maximizing natural light. Strategically positioned on Emaar Boulevard, the towers slope inwardly to frame spectacular views of the neighboring Burj Khalifa. Boulevard Plaza connects tenants to world-class amenities via a central podium and offers seamless access to the Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa Metro station. Merging sustainable design with corporate luxury, this Aedas masterpiece is a premier destination for multinational firms seeking a prestigious address in the thriving Dubai real estate market.

Aedas in the Contemporary Architectural Scene
Aedas' influence on contemporary architecture extends far beyond the horizon of their own projects; they are actively redefining urban skylines and setting new benchmarks in sustainable and innovative design.
As a visionary force, Aedas seamlessly weaves local cultural context into every facet of their work, fostering unique environments that resonate with communities while spearheading the evolution of modern architectural practices.

Shaping modern urban landscapes
Aedas stands out in city planning and urban development. They create places where people enjoy living, working, and playing. Their designs mix offices, shops, and homes. This makes cities lively and fun.
The firm uses new ideas to make buildings better for our world. They design schools that inspire learning and offices that are good for the planet. Each project adds beauty to busy cities like Hong Kong and Jakarta. Cities need smart growth to thrive. Aedas leads by making skyscrapers that touch the sky while keeping nature in mind. They build train stations that connect people faster and easier.
As architects shape tomorrow's cities, they look up to Aedas' work around the globe. Their buildings remind us of how we can live well together with style and care for our earth.

Upcoming projects
Aedas is shaping our world with exciting new buildings and city plans. They're working on some big projects that will change how we live and work.
- Shenzhen Bagualing Industrial Park
The Bagualing Industrial Park Urban Renewal project in Shenzhen, led by Aedas, is transforming a once-decrepit industrial zone into a vibrant hub for financial technology headquarters and R&D companies. The project encompasses a high-rise office and apartment tower, along with a retail podium.
- Xuhui Binjian Media City 188S-G-1 Tower and Podium
The design features a rectangular tower that meets the ground to allow circulation around its base, and it's part of a nine-block development. The tower's west wall gradually warps to accommodate a subway setback, and the north wall warps eastward for a specific view. The façade glazing pattern, inspired by media display panels, uses groups of three glass panels angled in different directions to reflect light. The podium includes public green spaces and floating glass boxes for retail and dining, topped by a large, warped surface canopy. The project is designed to achieve a LEED gold rating.
FAQs
1. What kind of buildings does Aedas design?
Aedas designs a variety of buildings, such as offices, hotels, residential complexes, and public facilities.
2. Where can I see Aedas-designed buildings?
You can find Aedas-designed buildings around the world, but mostly in Asian countries.
3. Has Aedas won awards for their architecture work?
Yes, Aedas has won various international awards for their architecture.
4. Do people like the way Aedas buildings look?
Many people admire the unique and modern style of Aedas's building designs.
5. How has Aedas impacted global architecture and design?
Aedas has influenced global architecture by creating innovative designs that blend local culture with modern style.
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