Located in Nanshan District, Shenzhen’s technology and innovation hub, the headquarters of the world’s largest consumer drone maker will serve as a creative, commercial, social and cultural catalyst for the Greater Bay Area.

Working with renowned architect Foster + Partners, Arup has provided integrated engineering design services to help realise this futuristic landmark building. Our scope of work covers structural, mechanical, electrical, public health engineering, fire, façade traffic consulting and design review services.

The project is providing a unique research and office environment as well as spaces for showcasing the company’s latest drone technology. The complex is designed to set a benchmark for future R&D buildings in terms of structural efficiency and sustainability.

A unique hanging structure

Our structure design plays a key role in realising the radical architectural form and floating blocks. The building is equipped with a light structure relying on the core, the only structural element that goes all the way to the ground and basement.

Each tower is arranged in six asymmetric blocks cantilevered from the central core, creating a floating effect and futuristic sense. Gaps between the blocks will provide outdoor sky terraces for staff to refresh and reboot. Each floating block offers a 4-floor drone testing space at the top, with 10-14 floor plates for R&D functions hanging below.

Interior view of DJI headquarters
Each floating block offers a 4-floor drone testing space at the top, with 10-14 floor plates for R&D functions hanging below.
DJI headquarters
Two towers are elevated from the ground to provide as much space as possible at ground level, offering a public green space for workers and the community to enjoy.

The floating bridge: light but strong

For the sky bridge linking up the twin towers, our design team opted for the cable-stayed bridge design after considering the aesthetics of the bridge, its structural stability and seismic resistance.

Recognising that the bridge at 100m above ground is susceptible to strong winds in Shenzhen, our team also carried out computational fluid dynamics simulation analysis on the bridge and conducted special wind engineering design to suppress the wind-induced instability.

Making the systems fit

For the R&D space, the floor beams span 16.5m to18.5m. Our structure design features composite beams with large openings penetrating through them to integrate the MEP facilities. With seamless SMEP integration we avoided the use of ceilings, achieving higher headroom for larger functional spaces. This allows the blocks to be hanged with the floor plates suspended from the top diagonal elements tying the structure to the core.

Thanks to this unique structure and the exposed steelwork, the office area enjoys a large span of column-free and flexible space with a 270-degree glass wall, creating a sense of high-tech.

DJI headquarters bridge
Our design team chose a cable-stayed bridge for its aesthetics, structural stability, and seismic resistance.
Exterior view of DJI headquarters
Each tower is arranged in six asymmetric blocks cantilevered from the central core, creating a floating effect and futuristic sense.