In a city as large and flat as Shanghai, views become the most important factor in architectural and urban design, along with common criteria of floor space and functions. MVRDV's proposals for a hotel and office tower on the site of the World Expo 2010 take this principal to its extreme, and are designed to maximise specific views of the city, which are assigned to appropriate areas of program. Restaurants face the glowing night skyline of Pudong in Central Shanghai, a spa looks out over the river flowing past, and a hotel lobby has views at one end to the monumental Lupu bridge, and at the other to the equally monument and iconic Chinese Pavilion of the World Expo.

The open floor plan at ground level creates a visual connection to the Expo Axis from Yaohua road. On top of the two office towers a sky restaurant is placed, with a panoramic view of the city.

By making large steps in the restaurant, every guest can enjoy the fantastic view and look down to the Expo Axis. To host bigger groups, bigger steps are introduced. Horizontal spaces, such as kitchens and meeting rooms, are placed underneath the restaurant with a glass floor on top of the center. To create perfect views at the top, the tower is twisted. It is orientated to the skyline of Pundong, the Expo Axis and the China Pavilion. The tower marks a new beginning for the Expo Area and respects the urban relations with the surroundings.The tower has an energy efficient concrete facade. Deep windows provide shadow to the interior and protect users from the heat while offering users panoramic views to the surroundings.