Yuhang, Hangzhou, is not only the cradle of the Liangzhu culture but also a frontier for modern technological innovation. Aedas Executive Director Fiona Chen and Founder and Chairman Keith Griffiths design the Yuhang Future Science and Technology City Mixed-use Project to create a diverse commercial complex. Merging tradition with the future, the project connects Yuhang’s rich historical and cultural heritage with the vibrant modern urban life, becoming a unique cultural landmark in the area.
The project is located in the heart of Yuhang, surrounded by schools, residences and metro station, with abundant water features in the landscape. It serves as a key engine for the development of Hangzhou West City Science and Technology Innovation Corridor.
1. Project plan and layout
The design responds to the site condition, requirements for floor area ratio and green space, ‘Diverse public interaction spaces are created through the integration of the building and the natural environment. An urban garden is made for relaxation and entertainment for the local community.’ Fiona shares.
The west and north sides of the site are serene green spaces, while the east and south sides are connected to transport systems. The design places the hotel towers on the west side for a peaceful environment, and commercial podium on the east side to attract circulation. By rotating the twin towers to form an approximately 90-degree angle, the layout avoids direct views between buildings and maximises cityscape views. The enclosed space formed by the towers and podium includes a garden, bringing greenery into the area and integrating architecture with nature and providing a public space for activities.
2. Local culture-inspired design concepts
‘Reinterpreting culture from a modern perspective gives it a new life and makes it the soul of architecture. This not only allows traditional culture to shine in contemporary society but also injects vitality into its continuation,’ Keith shares.
In the overall design, the team drew inspiration from jade, using modern interpretations of the local Liangzhu culture. The hotel twin towers intricate craftsmanship of the unearthed jade, using a symmetric design divided vertically along the central axis. The square shape is the starting form, which is subdivided to enrich the façade. The rounded corners of the towers, inspired by the jade, provide expansive views from the rooms while conveying a jade-like smoothness and elegance, establishing a benchmark for the local cultural image.
The design of the commercial podium echoes the hotel twin towers. It takes the image of a jade bird and creates a simple yet dynamic form through the interpretation of circular jade and the use of curved lines. The design also incorporates elements of feathers, transforming them into a lively façade with rhythmic patterns, symbolising Yuhang's economic growth. The smooth lines of the tower and the flowing curves of the podium blend classical Liangzhu elegance with modern beauty.
3. Commercial podium
‘Our design goal is to showcase the Liangzhu culture while exploring new commercial spaces, ultimately enhancing the overall value of the area,’ Fiona shares. The design of the commercial podium adopts a retail street concept that integrates the distinctive landscape of Yuhang. This creates a unique setback landscape that fosters a diverse, all-weather environment, enhancing pedestrian circulation. The podium connects closely with the 24-hour mall, centered around a courtyard that links diverse offerings such as dining, cultural experiences and entertainment. Additionally, the design incorporates various spatial nodes such as flowing waterfalls and terraced green spaces, achieving permeability and creating a human-centric ecological settlement within the city.
During the day, sunlight shines on the greenery as customers move between shops, experiencing the mix of Liangzhu culture and modern commerce. At night, the area becomes a new landmark for nightlife, offering a full range of experiences from shopping and relaxation to cultural activities and social interaction. This enhances the diversity of the environment and increases the overall commercial value of the project, driving regional development and serving as an example for the integration of urban commerce and culture.
The large LED wall at the entrance provides a unique visual experience, showcasing a strong sense of modernity and technology. It creates a distinctive commercial image, making it a standout feature in the district.
The project connects the multi-layered central park to the urban park, creating an integrated large park landscape that effectively blurs the boundaries between architecture and nature. A sunken plaza is designed at the northwest main entrance, connected to the subway and the center of the site. This introduces a three-dimensional, multi-layered green landscape providing the public with abundant interactive spaces.
4. Hotel twin towers
The design of the hotel towers and podium are cohesive, featuring smooth lines that flow seamlessly together, blending modern technology with a futuristic aesthetic to reflect Yuhang's new image. The hotel includes two brands. The International Luxury hotel is in the upper left corner, facing the main city view. Its warm and delicate façade complements the city’s diverse rhythm, adding a high-end atmosphere that attracts elite guests and tourists. It also offers a quiet space for a private and luxurious experience. The International High-end hotel , located in the lower left corner along the road, emphasizes convenience with a spacious lobby for quick check-ins.
The two hotels complement each other, distinguishing their brand cultures while achieving functional unity. They create a rich hotel cluster that caters to different guest needs.
The tower’s façade features curved bay windows that enhance the view and give the building an elegant appearance. The tower podium primarily serves the International Luxury hotel, with shared services from the International High-end hotel and a central courtyard with the mall, allowing guests to enjoy both courtyard and city views for a diverse urban experience.
‘This ecological commercial complex is not just a building cluster; it is a cultural symbol for the city. It interprets the unique charm of Liangzhu culture through modern architectural language, awakening a sense of identity and belonging to local culture,’ Keith shares.
2024
Project: Hangzhou Yuhang Future Science and Technology City Mixed-use Project
Location: Hangzhou, China
Client: Hangzhou Yuhang Cultural Tourism Investment Group Co., Ltd
Design and Project Architect: Aedas
Gross Floor Area: 99,701 sq m
Completion Year: On-going
Design Directors: Fiona Chen, Executive Director and Keith Griffiths, Founder and Chairman
Design Directors: Fiona Chen, Executive Director and Keith Griffiths, Founder and Chairman
Aedas -
