Living under one roof with 20,000 other residents may sound like a far-fetched idea, but in the Regent International apartment building in Qianjiang Century City, Hangzhou, China, it is a reality. This mammoth structure, originally designed as a hotel, has been transformed into a high-end residential complex that offers a unique living experience unlike any other.
A Self-Contained Ecosystem
The Regent International building is a testament to urban innovation. Standing at an impressive 675 feet tall, it houses up to 30,000 residents, making it one of the most densely populated areas in the world. With its 36 to 39 floors, the building not only provides living spaces but also offers a range of amenities and businesses, creating a self-contained ecosystem.
Everything at Your Doorstep
Within the building, residents have access to a wide array of amenities and services, including a giant food court, swimming pools, barber shops, nail salons, medium-sized supermarkets, and internet cafes. With everything conveniently located within the building, there is little need for residents to venture outside. Some inhabitants may even choose to never step foot outside at all.
More than Just Apartments
Designed by Alicia Loo, the chief designer of the world’s second seven-star hotel, the Singapore Sands Hotel, the Regent International building primarily attracts young professionals, graduates, and small business owners. The apartments range from smaller units without windows, which rent for around £167 per month, to larger units with balconies that can fetch rents of up to £445 per month or more. However, the building offers more than just living spaces. It has become a vibrant community that fosters interaction and convenience.
A Sustainable Living Building
The Regent International building has garnered praise for its seamless integration of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. It has been hailed as “the most sustainable living building on earth.” With its innovative design and thoughtful use of space, it has created an environment that meets the diverse needs of its residents.
Similar Concepts around the World
While the Regent International building is unique in its scale, it shares similarities with other remarkable living spaces around the world. In Whittier, Alaska, all 272 residents live in the same 14-floor tower, which houses a church, a post office, a market, a clinic, a police station, and a school. Similarly, in Venezuela, the Tower of David became an enormous skyscraper that served as a home to thousands of people who had nowhere else to go.
In conclusion, the Regent International building in Hangzhou, China, offers a truly unique living experience. By combining residential, commercial, and recreational spaces under one roof, it has created a self-contained ecosystem that meets the diverse needs of its 20,000 residents. With its innovative design and convenience, it has become a symbol of sustainable urban living. To learn more about this fascinating building, visit the F5 Magazine website.