Architects Unveil Plans for DJI’s New Headquarters

Architectural firm Foster + Partners has unveiled the design plans for a spectacular pair of towers set to become DJI’s new base in Shenzhen, China.

Central to the plans is an impressive sky-bridge. As well as linking the two towers, it will act as a flying platform for engineers to test the company’s latest aerial technology.

The construction is already underway, as DJI looks to literally cement its dominance-via-vertical-integration model. The building will have space for research and development, product launches and a venue for public exhibitions.

The design for DJI’s new headquarters also includes a number of quirks with drones in mind, including ‘robot fighting rings’, a theatre for press events and a structure made up of large, column-free spaces that allow room for quadruple-height areas that will be used for drone flight testing.

Spread across twin towers, DJI’s new headquarters will have sensitive research and development spaces in the east tower. The office and public functions will be situated in the west tower, which also contains the main entrance. This should help keep prying eyes from secretive testing and allow for efficient security and access control.

According to Foster + Partners, “At ground level, the podium features a series of gardens that draws the surrounding greenery into the site. Based on minimalist zen gardens, these are designed as contemplative zones where the creative talent can refresh and reboot.”

A Creative Community in the Sky

Foster + Partners described the new building, being the hub of DJI’s innovation going forward, “defies the traditional idea of office space to form a creative community in the sky.”

Head of studio Grant Brooker said: ‘Our aim is to create a unique workplace environment that embodies the spirit of invention and innovation that has allowed DJI to lead the world in robotics and technology.’

The construction is expected to be completed in 2019.