Hangzhou Xixi Green Office Complex: A Fusion of Modernity and Tradition

Designers Zhang Wei, Meng Fanhao and Xie Lei Create a Landmark with a Heart for Nature

The Hangzhou Xixi Green Office Complex is located on the north side of the Xixi National Wetland Park, a region witnessing rapid urbanization under the push of the local government. The project, a 246,000 square meters building complex of offices, business, and supporting facilities, is designed to be a landmark that maintains a sense of openness and accessibility.

The design inspiration for the complex comes from the traditional wetland settlement pattern. The architects aimed to ensure maximum utilization of the landscape resources and strengthen the sense of place as an understated elegance park. The buildings are designed as L-shaped slabs with large openings, encircling the site and presenting a non-conventional visual impression, making the buildings a group of futuristic city sculptures.

For the realization of this design, the architects decided to simplify the complex surface morphology and use conventional construction strategies. The three-dimensional irregular form and structure are realized by dividing the block by the two-dimensional horizontal lines of sun-shading louvers. Large-span vierendeel steel truss is used for the large opening, and the core tube is set on one side, providing more possibilities for the plan. The use of Revit ensured the building quality.

The major challenge of this project was to design a high-quality urban space, redefine the image of a landmark building, while maintaining the cultural tradition of the Xixi wetland spirits. The architects managed to strike a delicate balance between modernity and localization, creating a space that is both visually stunning and deeply rooted in its cultural context.

The Hangzhou Xixi Green Office Complex was awarded Platinum in A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2018. The award recognizes world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative designs that showcase unmatched professionalism, genius, and contribute to societal wellbeing. This design indeed advances the boundaries of art, science, design, and technology, exhibiting transcendent excellence and making the world a better place.