Hangzhou Gateway, China
In February 2017, Hangzhou Gateway, a striking new office tower in Hangzhou, China, was completed.
Designed by JDS Architects, the 16-storey building incorporates two massive voids that are cut diagonally through it. The resulting ‘H-shape’ creates a stepped park on top and an arched pathway for pedestrians beneath, linking both sides of the building with a historical market hall, currently undergoing renovation, a public green space.
With a concave plan, the walkway divides the lower floors of the 23,600 sq. m building into two quarter-circle plans.
The main structural supports are provided by two vertical circulation spaces which brace the lower floor plates. These two cores are spanned by the middle floor plates like a simple beam, which creates a stable platform for the upper floors.
On top, the void in the roof creates a green park with a series of stepped terraces, a feature that the architects say is a reference to the ancient Chinese rice-field landscapes. The opening is oriented so as to provide office workers with maximum sunlight and views. The staggered terraces also retain rainwater, which is used to assist with the building’s cooling.
Content and imagery courtesy of JDS Architects.
Photography is by Julien Lanoo.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.
The story of this knowledge quarter building.
In ecology, in hydrology, in biology and in architecture.
Creating environments that promote physical, mental, and social well-being.
UK cases of neutral current diversion
Research project looks for example contributions.
Overstocking and macro-economics cause a decline.
The 2024 update of the Common Assessment Standard
Demonstrating organisational capability’ to fulfil roles under the Building Safety Act.
56 recommendations for a better built environment
Published by the CIC ahead of the King’s Speech.
SkillELECTRIC Top 8 Competitors Named
in annual search for the UK’s best student electrician.
CIOB Diversity and Inclusion technical information sheet
Step-by-step guide on implementing D and I practices.
Conservation and the Indian City. Book review.
Reversibility in conservation ethics
Learning from painting conservation.
Where It's AT Podcast launched!
New CIAT Architectural Technology Podcast goes live.
The holistic approach to understanding buildings, their defects and associated remedial action.
The Welded Masonry Support (WMS) IG Masonry Support
The first masonry support manufacturer to receive Passive House certification.