Shanghai-based architecture firm HYP-ARCH Design has unveiled design for a new riverside Research and Development center for ArcSoft, a global company in computer vision technology. 

HYP-ARCH won the first prize for the conceptual design of ArcSoft's Riverside R&D Center after competing with many famous architectural firms.

"Over the last ten years, Hangzhou has become one of the fastest-growing cities in China through its urban planning concept with international perspective and proactive talent policy," said HYP-ARCH.

"As a leading algorithm service & solution provider in computer vision industry, ArcSoft provides a truly great visual enjoyment and smart experience for global customers. As Hangzhou with rapidly advancing internet technology is chosen as the new R&D and production base, it represents a strategic move."

Located in Binjiang District, Hangzhou, China, ArcSoft Riverside R&D Center will be the future high-tech enterprise incubation hub of Hangzhou, as there are influential enterprises in the vicinity like Alibaba, Huawei, etc. 

"The biggest challenge of this project is how to create a more flexible and space-efficient work environment with limited land, satisfy the changing market needs and shape a unique sense of future for ArcSoft," added the architects. 

The project is enclosed by the arterial road of Binxing Road, Chuanghui Road, Jiangjiao Road and Tiyuguan East Road. With a total area of 8,076 square meters and total height of 104 meters, the center consists of office, exhibition and commercial spaces. Architects come up with creative concept of enterprise headquarter design strategy by preserving current city interface. 

Considering the optimization of office space utilization, architects put the core tube next to the northern part of building (office space utilization on standard floor reaches up to 75%). 

Meanwhile, architects increase outdoor green space by reducing 1F floor space and supporting some floors with stilts. The underground 3-storey garage adopts three-dimensional patented technology of extensible parking spaces to hold 800 cars. 

Office space is diversified to meet needs of different users, which is the biggest design highlight of this project: from sunken plaza space, exhibition center of 1F hall, interactive F&D space on lower floor to flexible and open office space, architects manage to work out a flexible office space solution to meet needs of different users and requirements.   

Hangzhou bears the marked trait of landscape richness and penetration. Vertical green corridor and outdoor corridor are designed to eliminate the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces and merge with surrounding environments. 

The inward skycourt maximizes green effect of office space; partial 4F overhanging part is equipped with running track to offer unique space for relaxation and facilitate interactions among users; rooftop terraces on different floors provide a place for outdoor activities. Architects hope to use multi-dimensional penetration to strengthen vertical overlapping effect of office space. 

In façade design, architects try to maintain the "uniqueness" of ArcSoft Technologies and preserve city interface by reducing the sense of "stress" caused by high-rise buildings. 

Therefore, the façade is furnished with steel structure system that has stronger lateral load resistance and stability so as to create an exquisite and light look. Meanwhile, the assembled steel structure enhances a hi-tech and futuristic image, and its rectangular curtain wall system makes it easier and safer for construction. 

ArcSoft Riverside R&D Center will become a unique and vibrant hi-tech enterprise headquarter of Binjiang District in Hangzhou, as it features multi-dimensional public space, flexible office environment, exquisite and light façade design, simple and neat structural system and smart assembly system. 

Design concept

Functional layout

Functional layout-2

Location map

Site environment

Outdoor Space

Outdoor Space

Steel Structural Details

Project facts

Project name: ArcSoft Riverside R&D Center

Client: ArcSoft Technologies

Type: Office/ Research & Development

Gross floor area: 58,135 sq m

Design completion: 2019.04

Architect: HYP-ARCH DESIGN, Xiaoye Studio

Design team: Tang Xiong,Guangyu Sheng, Xuefeng Wang, Shiqi Fan, Aijie Chen.

All images courtesy of HYP-ARCH

> via HYP-ARCH