Dashed across the front of PetroChina’s Beijing headquarters, this water feature softens the look of the monolithic building front and serves as a grand entrance for elite dignitaries. In the evening and weekends, the fountain’s spontaneous bursts and chasing sequences of shooting water attract nearby residents where this Asian oil giant welcomes them to use the grounds as a neighborhood park. It is common to find groups admiring the fountain as they lap the perimeter on a stroll or practice Tai Chi in flowing unison.

A subterranean feature lies just beyond the main entrance fountain. This waterwall is a sloping patchwork pattern of flowing water, live plants and rockwork, sited just outside the company’s canteen area. In the expansive lobby atrium, people are treated to an enchanting, fog-laden bamboo garden with shallow, mirror-like pools. Both the water wall and bamboo garden introduce nature into the workplace, providing places where employees can seek respite from the daily routine of their workday.