This project involves the design of a bespoke office building which will form the headquarters of a leading communications technology company. The site is located in a science and technology park in Beijing, in a clearing within landscaped parkland. The aim of the client is to consolidate their offices, improve the working environment and promote communication between employees.
Our design envisages a simple building which 'weaves' public with private space, offices with meeting areas - fostering openness and creativity. Three efficient blocks of office space, each enjoying a south-facing aspect, are connected by bands of circulation and meeting rooms - encouraging formal and informal gatherings. The eastern band is the most public, presenting a glazed, double-height lobby with a cafe and meeting rooms.
The building becomes more private to the west, opening up views to the parkland and allowing landscaping to flow into courtyards. The varying height of the massing allows for generous external terraces.The building presents a clean, open image to the public - both subtle and contemporary - while reflecting Beijing’s traditional courtyard arrangements. Appropriate low-energy measures have been adopted throughout, allowing natural ventilation for much of the year, as well as water collection and recycling, green roofs and the utilisation of the building's thermal mass. An adjustable, perforated screen wraps the facade of the office blocks to control solar gain.
