This multi-functional complex is one of the first of many to be built in a new ‘civilized industrial area’ on the outskirts of Greater Shanghai, China. The low-lying elongated structure becomes one with the lie of the land as it snakes around a man made lake and a series of canals. The two wings of the complex separate the business from the social aspects of the buildings. The west campus contains a sports court, swimming pool and fitness centre for the employees of the company. The guest hotel cantilevers over a wild -life pond, constantly visible thanks to the glass floors of the bedrooms.
The business section is contained within the east campus, with open-.plan office spaces as well as private offices, executive suites, library, auditorium, exhibition spaces and a cafe. The tallest section of the office building with its undulating green roof provides a thermal mass thereby reducing heat gain and cooling costs. Access to the buildings is via the enclosed walkways of an elevated catwalk. A pedestrian plaza leads down to the waterfront adding a social aspect to the site.
Glass, metal and raw concrete covered in dark grey panels suggests an industrial image but this is relieved by the expanses of greenery within the landscaping of the site and the stark white walls of sections of the interior.
