Xiaoshan Innovation Polis: the infinite meanings of a "cube"
The Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University (UAD)
Office&Business
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Completed
The site is located in Hangzhou Xiaoshan Innovation Polis on the southern bank of Qiantang River. It mainly has functional spaces for scientific research, entrepreneurial services, and supporting commercial activities, etc. As the project was constructed in the early days of Xiaoshan Innovation Polis, the client urgently hoped to create a public image for the new area and inject vitality into its development. Therefore, the client had extremely high expectations for the theme, image and iconicity of the project. In such context, forming an architectural landmark under the restriction of the 80m height limit became the main design challenge to be solved.
The design adopts a concept of the “Cube”, which signifies the infinite possibilities of entrepreneurship and scientific research. Staggered cubic blocks, combined with lighting effects at night, forming an all-weather architectural image with a sense of technology and future at the side of the Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway. The facade of the tower building takes cues from the “9x9 grid” and draws on the traditional handmade “lacework” products of Xiaoshan District to decorate, creating a unique texture and embodying the inheritance of local culture appropriately.
The architectural design also adheres to the design theme of “cube”. The commercial spaces of podium building consist of several “cubes”, and the gaps between “cubes” turn into entrances and exits facing the urban roads. The layout positively responds to the traditional structure of streets and alleys, providing a clear, convenient and flexible circulation route. Staggered volumes naturally form rooftop terraces, patios and atriums, etc. between the upper and lower podium buildings, greatly improving user environment and spatial experience. The workspace of the tower building learns from the traditional Hui-style architecture that features an open-air courtyard enclosed by rooms on four sides, enjoying a full-height atrium with the height of 80m inside the building. On sunny days, sunlight filters into the foyer, outlining varying shadows; whereas on rainy days, raindrops beat on the roof, which sounds pleasant. A workspace full of natural atmosphere is formed. The tower building adopts a double-layer curtain wall system to ensure a playful facade and great lighting and ventilation. The curtain wall of podium building uses glass and colorful aluminum panels, and demonstrates a strong sense of technology and rhythm through the alteration of several colors.
After the completion of the “Cube”, it has been widely praised from many parties since it well integrates theme and image, playfulness and practicality, and natural and energy-saving elements. It will grow together with Xiaoshan Innovation Polis and witness the amazing development of cities on the south bank of Qiantang River in the Asian Games era.
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Building facade
Zhao Qiang
Building and surroundings
Zhao Qiang
Part of the building
Zhao Qiang
Stacked volume
Zhao Qiang
Main road façade
Zhao Qiang
The main entrance
Zhao Qiang
The corner of the street
Zhao Qiang
Suspended Rubik's Cube
Zhao Qiang
Podium details
Zhao Qiang
Elements of Xiaoshan lace
Zhao Qiang
Rubik's Cube
Zhao Qiang
Commercial Atrium
Zhao Qiang
Master Plan
The Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University Co., Ltd.
Plan
The Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University Co., Ltd.
Podium plan 02
The Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University Co., Ltd.
Elevation
The Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University Co., Ltd.
Elevation 02
The Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University Co., Ltd.
Standard floor plan
The Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University Co., Ltd.
Section
The Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University Co., Ltd.
Section A3
The Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University Co., Ltd.
Node 02
The Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University Co., Ltd.
Analysis chart
The Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University Co., Ltd.
Hangzhou
Afghanistan
Hangzhou Xiaoshan Science and Technology City Investment and Development Co., Ltd.
04/2020
79134 m2
95,622,910.00 €
Dong Danshen, Chen Jian
Chen Jian, Chen Lu, Hong Xiaoquan, Yu Guomin, Tao Jingjin, Huang Wu, Yin Xiong, Meng Liang, Shou Chenxing, Wang Bo, Wu Caifei, Zhang Minmin, Jiang Hao, Yang Xin, Mo Yunfei
Zhao Qiang
Curriculum
The Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University Co., Ltd. (UAD) was established in 1953. It is one of the earliest First Class Design Institutes among major national universities. The company now has nearly 1400 employees. UAD holds creating harmonious environments, a global vision, complete services, and the highest professionalism as their guidelines. Based on the resources of Zhejiang University, UAD relies on Academicians of the China Academy of Engineering and the China Academy of Sciences to support the blossoming architectural creations. The company seeks extensive international academic exchanges and joint engineering designs. It has won over 1200 awards for outstanding designs, excellent projects or research outcomes at national, ministerial and provincial, as well as international levels.
