Global architecture firms SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill) and GAD have won the international competition to design Hangzhou’s Science and Technology Innovation CBD(Central Business Centre), a cutting-edge hub integrating modern transportation and Jiangnan’s iconic landscape. Their visionary plan fosters creativity, innovation, and tech growth in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province, China.
Covering 3.7 square kilometers, the CBD is a key part of the broader Hangzhou West Science and Technology Innovation Corridor. The design utilizes the West Station transportation network, enhancing accessibility both regionally and nationally. The CBD is positioned to play a vital role in advancing Hangzhou’s urban planning and aims to solidify its status as a global tech hub.
Situated near Hangzhou West Railway Station, the CBD extends along a cohesive urban axis. The integrated transport system, comprising railways and major roads, is designed to improve connectivity, reduce commuting time, and enhance the city’s overall competitiveness. The design integrates the Jiangnan landscape with a cutting-edge innovation district. A central green axis runs through the district, linking various U-shaped clusters designed to accommodate businesses at different growth stages, encouraging public interaction, visual interest, and flexibility for future technologies.
Organized around five thematic areas—comprehensive services, future trends, fashion and health, high-quality production, and unicorn startups—the project encourages collaboration between industries and academia. The expansive green space, which accounts for 32 percent of the core area, enhances the overall quality of life for residents and workers. The plan also incorporates adaptable industrial clusters and flexible architectural designs that create interactive spaces for businesses and communities. The emphasis on ecological sustainability is evident in the design’s integration of green spaces, jogging paths, and cultural venues, all aimed at improving the quality of urban life.
This project forms part of Hangzhou’s broader strategy to develop a “world-class city axis” and is a crucial step in positioning the city as a global innovation leader. The master plan will soon be open to public consultation as Hangzhou continues its push towards becoming a leading hub for science and technology. Overall, this project is a key element in Hangzhou’s urban development, and aims to serve as a blueprint for future global tech hubs, combining innovation, sustainability, and community engagement to drive long-term growth.
Source: archdaily.com