Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley

Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley

Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley

The Architectural Design & Research Institute Of Zhejiang University Co., Ltd.

ARCHITECTS
The Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University Co., Ltd.

DESIGN TEAM
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

CLIENT
Hangzhou Xiaoshan Innovation Polis Investment And Development Co., Ltd.

ARCHITECTURE DESIGN
The Architectural Design & Research Institute Of Zhejiang University Co., Ltd. (Uad)

CHIEF ARCHITECTS
Chen Jian, Chen Lu

CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS
Gmaid

STATUS
Built

PHOTOGRAPHY
Zhao Qiang

PLOT AREA
16,667 Square Meters

GROSS FLOOR AREA
79,134 Square Meters 

COMPLETION TIME
May 2020

YEAR
2020

LOCATION
Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, China

CATEGORY
Commercial › Office

01 BACKGROUND

The project is one of the early built constructions in Hangzhou Xiaoshan Innovation Polis, which sits on the south bank of Qiantang River.

Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley
Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley

It was built in the context that Xiaoshan Innovation Polis was identified as a key node for Hangzhou's river-centered development strategy, Qianjiang Century City began to take shape and the Airport Economic Demonstration Zone was just approved.

The client urgently hoped to create an architectural landmark for Xiaoshan Innovation Polis and inject vitality into the wider new urban area, with high expectations for the theme, image and iconicity of the building.

Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley
Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley

Meanwhile, as the Internet celebrity economy is rising, the main challenge for the project was how to create an iconic, lively and instagrammable building under the height limit.

02 THEME & IMAGE

To cater to the needs of young innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs in Xiaoshan Innovation Polis, the design adopts the concept "Cube", which signifies the infinite possibilities of entrepreneurship and scientific research and the vitality of youths.

Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley
Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley

With staggered elegant cubic volumes and artificial lighting at night, the building presents a futuristic, instagrammable image throughout the day at the side of the Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway, hence becoming an iconic landmark that represents Xiaoshan Innovation Polis.

The facades of the tower take design cues from the "3x3 grid", and draws on local traditional "lacework" handicrafts to form unique exterior patterns, which embody the inheritance of local culture. Besides, the design also focuses on the integrity of the fifth facade to form a unified building image.

Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley
Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley

03 PLAYFULNESS & PRACTICALITY

The spatial organization also takes "cube" as the motif. Main functions including scientific research, office, entrepreneurship and commercial services are well organized, thus achieving the unity of functionality and form.

The commercial spaces of the podium consist of several "cubes", and the gaps between those "cubes" turn into entrances and exits facing the urban roads.

Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley
Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley
Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley

The layout positively echoes with the traditional spatial pattern of streets and alleys, and forms a straight internal commercial circulation, making the commercial space organization more clear, efficient and coordinated.

The staggered volumes of adjoining upper and lower podium volumes naturally form a series of rooftop terraces, open-air spaces and inner atriums, which greatly improve spatial experience, provide more expanded commercial spaces and create a pleasant commercial atmosphere.

Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley
Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley

The tower adopts a double-layer curtain wall system for playful facade image and great daylighting and ventilation.

The curtain wall of the podium uses glass and colorful aluminum panels, and shows a strong futurist feeling and rhythm through the alteration of colors.

Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley
Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley

04 NATURE AND ENERGY SAVING

The design widely employs energy-saving techniques to create a good interior environment. The workspace of the tower draws inspiration from traditional Hui-style architecture that features an open-air courtyard enclosed by rooms on four sides, hence shaping a full-height atrium with a height of 80m.

Based on the reasonable depth, both workspace and the core tube embrace good daylighting and ventilation.

Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley
Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley

The operable glass skylight above the entrance foyer enhances the fluidity of air, thereby greatly improving the internal micro environment.

05 CONCLUSION

Since completion, the "Cube" has gained wide praise for the excellent combination of theme and form, playfulness and practicality, nature and energy saving, and meanwhile received attention and hits on many video media platforms such as Yangshipin.

Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley
Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley

It will grow together with Xiaoshan Innovation Polis, and witness the glorious chapter of urban construction on the south bank of Qiantang River in the Asian Games era.

Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley
Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley


Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley
Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley
Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley
Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley
Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley
Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley


Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley
Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley


Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley
Xiaoshan Innovation Polis · Pioneer Valley