Surely you’ve wondered about the name of this imposing structure. It is called Pangu Plaza. The name comes from a creation myth.
Pangu is a figure in Chinese mythology. He is said to be the first living being. He is also known as the creator of all things.
According to legend the universe was once a formless chaos. This chaos coalesced into a cosmic egg. This happened for about 18000 years. Inside the egg the principles of Yin and Yang balanced. Then Pangu emerged or woke up.
Pangu is often shown as a hairy giant. He has horns and wears fur. Pangu separated Yin from Yang. He swung his giant axe. This created the Earth and the Sky. To keep them apart Pangu stood between them. He pushed up the Sky.
Each day the sky grew ten feet higher. The Earth grew ten feet thicker. Pangu grew ten feet taller. This task took another 18000 years. Some stories say Pangu was aided by four beasts. They were the Turtle the Qilin the Phoenix and the Dragon.
After 18000 years Pangu died. His breath became the wind mist and clouds. His voice became thunder. His left eye became the sun. His right eye became the moon. His head became the mountains. His blood became the rivers. His muscles became fertile land. His facial hair became the stars. His fur became bushes and forests. His bones became minerals. His marrow became diamonds. His sweat became rain. The fleas on his fur became animals.
The Pangu myth explains the creation of the world. Other myths explain how people were created. The Nuwa myth and the Jade Emperor myth do this.
Now look at Pangu Plaza. It is a modern building. Yet its name connects it to an ancient story. The building’s architecture may even reflect aspects of the Pangu myth. Perhaps the building represents the separation of Earth and Sky.
Pangu Plaza stands near the Olympic Park. It is close to the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube. The main building is shaped like a dragon. It is a mixed-use project. It includes offices apartments a hotel and retail space. The Pangu 7 Star Hotel is located here. It has a gym restaurants and a sky lobby.
Beijing Pangu Investment Co. developed Pangu Plaza. Construction began in 2007. The plaza opened during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It hosted guests during the games.
In 2013 there was a fire at the Pangu 7 Star Hotel. In 2021 renovations began on the dragon head.
Pangu Plaza has five buildings from A to E. Building A is the tallest. It is the landmark building. Buildings B C and D are apartments. Building E is the Pangu 7 Star Hotel. The developer liked courtyards. He added two-story courtyards to the tops of three apartment buildings. There are 12 courtyards in total.
IBM China moved its headquarters to Pangu Plaza in 2010. They hung their logo on top of Building A.
Pangu Plaza appeared in the movie Transformers 4. It was used as a filming location in China.
So the next time you see Pangu Plaza remember the myth. Remember the giant who created the world. Consider how ancient stories can inspire modern architecture.