Union Bay
The relationship between architecture and urban development is a central concern in design, exemplified by the Union Bay Office Park. Serving as the catalyst for transforming existing industrial parks into innovative spaces, this development marks the beginning of a grand plan, positioning itself as an iconic integration of urban and industrial elements—a demonstration and pioneer of forward-thinking design.
The park's dual mandate requires the aggregation of brand and talent elite resources while simultaneously radiating and enhancing the surrounding development. This project's societal role empowers the architecture to imbue site-specific form and character. The circular motif, reminiscent of Ebenezer Howard’s garden city design philosophy or a human community in a space capsule, is not only due to its geometric form but also the seamless integration of work and life scenes.
The podium section of the buildings houses essential urban services such as galleries, libraries, gyms, childcare facilities, etc., interconnected by a floating "ring." The upper tower has industrial functions mainly for offices. There is a conference hall in the center of the park.
The robust circular form successfully integrates multiple irregularly shaped sites. In the urban development context, Union Bay Office Park propels the evolution of the surrounding area, characterized by its superblock structure, serving as a reference point for citizens to comprehend the city's transformation.
Location: Hangzhou, China
Area: 630.000 m²
Year: 2023
Client: Hangzhou Eastern University Science and Technology Park Construction Co., Ltd.
Architect: xup Architekten
Team: Shan Xu, Di Tang, Xinxin Ji, Shenghui Gao, Jing Xue
Collaborators: Zhejiang University of Technology Engineering Design Group Co., Ltd.
Type: architectural design & landscape design
Honor: competition 1st Prize