Shi Ban Qiao Mixed-Use Development

This schematic design for a large mixed-use development at the centre of Hangzhou’s historic Shi Ban Qiao district won the design competition that was a part of the Hangzhou Future City project.

Conceived as a large-scale urban regeneration development, it seeks to transform an area in the old city centre that is in need of an update into a vibrant community that adds to and integrates itself into the new cultural and green belt that runs across the city. It is a prototype that adds density, rejuvenates and elevates the district by the enriching cultural, community and commercial life, integrates ample greenery as well as preserves and adapts a historical landmark.

ECOLOGICAL

The biophilic environment of the rooftop parks and sky terraces offers a healthy and relaxing environment that encourages people to socialise, while also being more aware of the climate crisis, inspiring them to form a closer relationship with nature. Being in an inner-city built-up area, the development adds a significant amount of greenery to the district that will perform valuable ecosystem services and bring biodiversity back into the city.

SOCIAL

The development consists of community and commercial spaces, an activity deck and a sky park, as well as residential units and talent housing. The design takes a holistic approach by integrating the different programmes three- dimensionally in five ‘layers’, adding density and amenities to the district.

PASSIVE STRATEGIES AND ENERGY

The design uses solar tubes on the south façade (transparent tube-shaped PV panels) to generate energy, supplementing the energy consumption of the building. It also aims to reduce energy consumption by using passive strategies like natural cross ventilation, having winter gardens on the south-facing units (heat retention in winter; semi-outdoor space in summer) and landscaping.

CHALLENGES

The plot’s size and height restrictions posed a design challenge in adding density as well as ample community space to the development. These were overcome by how the different programmes were arranged and stacked on top of one another.

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PROJECT DATA

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