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| UNStudio Unveils Design for Mixed-Use Complex in the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Area in China |
In the bustling heart of Hangzhou, China, UNStudio has unveiled its visionary design for the Hiwell Amber Centre. This remarkable mixed-use complex promises to become an urban landmark, offering a blend of offices, apartments, hotels, art spaces, and retail in a prime location that shares space with the Olympic Sports Centre and the 2023 Asian Games complex. As Hangzhou experiences rapid economic and cultural growth, this development aims to cater to both residents and visitors, creating what can be aptly described as an 'urban living room.'
The Hiwell Amber Centre covers over 260,000 square meters and comprises four high-rise towers, each with a unique purpose. Two of the towers house residential units, while another features state-of-the-art office spaces. The fourth tower is a dynamic mixed-use structure housing a hotel and additional office spaces. At the base of these towers lies a plinth accommodating a conference center, hotel ballroom, commercial units, an art museum, and community facilities. UNStudio's innovative use of podiums and dynamic open spaces creates an expansive 'Urban Living Room,' designed to foster social interaction and relaxation among residents and visitors.
The design of the Hiwell Amber Centre is heavily influenced by its surroundings, offering unobstructed views of the Dongfeng River and adjacent buildings. The facades of the central mixed-use tower open with glass canopies towards the central plaza, fostering an atmosphere of transparency and openness. The scaled glass canopies reflect sunlight to create a shimmering effect reminiscent of the Qiantang River. These exterior spaces provide an all-weather micro-environment, promoting interaction and relaxation. Additionally, the translucent canopy maximizes natural daylight within the building while effectively preventing excessive heat penetration.
At ground level, the architectural volumes are adapted to connect with the human scale, introducing horizontal variations to link with the adjoining street. The design of the lower levels takes inspiration from the ancient Liangzhu village in Hangzhou, reinterpreting the three-story buildings of the rural settlement. This approach results in a fluid network of plazas and pedestrian connections, offering a pleasant environment for residents to relax and engage.
In a skyline filled with landmarks, the towers' architecture is a testament to timeless simplicity, rooted in Hangzhou's urban culture and landscape, and designed with a welcoming gesture. UNStudio's design presents a vibrant mixed-use attraction that caters to working, living, and leisure, both vertically and horizontally.
In the context of the upcoming 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, this development is set to make a mark as a significant addition to Hangzhou's evolving urban landscape. As the city continues to transform, projects like the Hiwell Amber Centre exemplify the city's commitment to sustainable and innovative design.
Explore more architectural transformations in Hangzhou, including Archi-Tectonics NYC and !Melk's ecological Hangzhou Asian Games Park and MVRDV's exciting cultural center reimagining in a former oil refinery factory.
Project Credits:
- UNStudio Team: Ben van Berkel, Hannes Pfau, and many others
- Local Executive Architect: China United Engineering Corporation Limited
- Structure: ARUP
- Façade: ARUP and Positive Attitude Group (PAG)
- Fire Engineering: RJA
- MEP: MJP M&E Consultant
- Kitchen: RICCA
- Landscape: JTL Studio
- Lighting: Brandston Partnership, Inc (BPI)
- Visualizations (CGI): Produced by SAN. ©Hiwell Properties / ICON
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