Project Overview
The Huawei Nanjing Research & Development Center is one of the most well-known projects in China. This project is one of the 15 research and development projects the firm Huawei holds at a global level. Due to the nature and scale of the project, it took AECOM around 6 years to complete this iconic building. The center is located in a hilly region of Nanjing, next to the Yuhuatai area. The building’s stepped terrace like volume compliments the nature of the site and terrain. This also gives viewers attractive views of the environment, thereby strengthening the relationship between the project and its site. Interestingly, there was a difference in the height of the terrain on the east and west sides. The east side consisted of a high hill, while the west side had low-lying roads. The difference between the two heights was significant, being around 6 meters. To solve this, the west side was dedicated to drop-off zones and vehicular circulation, while the east side was for private functions. This managed the flow of people smoothly in the functioning of the project.
The Social Bridge “Cloud Corridor”
AECOM’s approach was to retain the natural beauty and essence of the site, creating a project that is harmonious with its context. The building comprises three volumes that are connected by the “Cloud Corridor.” The corridor serves as a bridge between the different masses and is on the fifth floor, spanning around 30 meters.
Indoor vs Outdoor Spaces
There is a strong emphasis placed on the relationship between the indoor and outdoor spaces of the project. Since the climatic conditions in Nanjing are very hot and humid, the three buildings have access to courtyards, green spaces, and an atrium. The atrium acted as a cornerstone feature where users could interact and socialize. Adequate natural lighting also results in effective ventilation and wind circulation in the atrium, thereby reducing energy consumption. This creates a comfortable indoor thermal environment. Moreover,shading blinds were used for the façade. These blinds improved the energy efficiency ratio of the air conditioning equipment.
Functionality of the buildings
Due to the complex character of the project, the project follows an approach of “complex community” in the vertical direction. The basement floor hosts parking bays and labs. The semi-basement floor is a lot more spacious in terms of its depth due to the fact that restaurants, cafes, and secondary supporting functions (at the back side) are allotted on this floor. This floor also provides users with views of the outdoor landscaped areas. Both the ground floor and the semi-basement floor have dual entrances, which facilitate people’s flow smoothly. The floors also function as a reception area and exhibition space.
One of the interesting features of the project is the fifth floor, also known as the “Cloud Corridor.” The two stairs on this floor formed the lecture area. This floor is diverse in its spaces, from training and conferences to fitness and the library. It behaves like an umbrella, catering to various user-friendly needs. Moreover, the roof space acts as a solace for the center’s employees to relax and unwind. It also has a spacious and homely sky garden, highlighting the use of open spaces in the project.
Landscaping
AECOM was involved in this project in a very detailed and well-thought out approach. It dealt with different aspects of the research center—architecture, interior design, and landscape. Talking about color schemes and tones, bright colors like orange and yellow are used for shared and multi-user spaces. The landscape theme was carefully thought out while keeping the nature and conditions of the site in mind. Some of the features include spacious grasslands, terraced gardens, water features, and leisure step areas.
Floor plan design and layout
Meanwhile, the floor plans are rectangular in shape with softened edges for practicality.The distance between each working desk was less than 30 meters to the core due to the low depth of the working area, which is around 10 meters. All three buildings’ typical places were designed in a hierarchy of 1,500 m2, 2,000 m2, 3,500 m2, and 5,000 m2 to cater to different spatial characteristics.
The public spaces in the buildings were arranged towards the periphery, accessing external views. On the other hand, the private and intimate spaces were towards the center, around the cores to provide a quiet environment. The cores also led to the formation of irregular and organic-shaped spaces.
Structural system and elements
Moving on, the structure of the building was complex due to the scale and form of the three buildings. A cantilevered truss was the main structural element between the second and third floors of Building N. The truss spans around 18 meters. Both buildings, N and M, use arc-shaped trusses in the corridors, which span around 32 meters. This is present on the fourth and fifth floors of the buildings. In addition to this, Building M and Building S are connected by arc-shaped trusses in the corridor, spanning around 40 meters. The presence of inclined columns served as the prime structural system for the building’s façade. The trusses beautifully complement the green pockets, forming a harmonious relationship.
Conclusion
Huawei Nanjing Research & Development Center celebrates the use of humanistic and user-friendly spaces in terms of their materiality, technology, and user experience. The project is a notable example of forming a “composite and close-knit community’’ to serve spaces with various spatial and psychological needs. The space very well showcases the relationship between a project that values work-life balance. AECOM was involved in this project through various stages and its whole life cycle, striving for excellence and perfection. Mr. Bing Zhong, the project leader and the Vice President of AECOM China in architectural design, says,”The design of Huawei Nanjing R&D Center fundamentally begins with the regression of the location and region, the corporate culture, and user demands. It was implemented by the systematic, rational, and complete design strategy and practiced by multi-major and full-lifecycle services. “
Images / Visual Mediums
Image Name : Exterior View of Huawei Nanjing Research & Development Center
Image Number : 1
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Image Name : Exterior View of Huawei Nanjing Research & Development Center in Nanjing , China
Image Number : 2
Photographer of the Photo :
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Image Name : Interior view of the corridor
Image Number : 3
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Image Name : Exterior Staircase View
Image Number : 4
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Image Name : The connection between indoor and outdoor spaces in the Research Center
Image Number : 5
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Image Name : Interior view of the atrium
Image Number : 6
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Image Name : Break out spaces for users to relax
Image Number : 7
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Image Name : Exterior view
Image Number : 8
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Image Name : Master Plan
Image Number : 9
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Image Name : First Floor Plan
Image Number : 10
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Image Name : Second Floor Plan
Image Number : 11
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Image Name : Third Floor Plan
Image Number : 12
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Image Name : Fourth Floor Plan
Image Number : 13
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Image Name : Fifth Floor Plan
Image Number : 14
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Image Name : Section A-A and West Elevation
Image Number : 15
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Image Name : Shading system analysis of the façade
Image Number : 16
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Image Name : Detail of the façade of the research center
Image Number : 17
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Image Name : Detail of the façade of the Amphitheatre
Image Number : 18
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Citations
Chen, C. (2020) Huawei Nanjing Research & Development Center / AECOM, ArchDaily. ArchDaily. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/932248/huawei-nanjing-research-and-development-center-aecom (Accessed: October 21, 2022).
Huawei Nanjing R&D Center (no date) AECOM. Available at: https://aecom.com/projects/huawei-nanjing-rd-center/ (Accessed: October 21, 2022).
Aecom (2021) Huawei Nanjing Research & Development Center, an organic architecture for Integrated Design: The plan, AECOM. The Plan. Available at: https://www.theplan.it/award-2021-officebusiness/huawei-nanjing-research-development-center-an-organic-architecture-for-integrated-design-aecom (Accessed: October 21, 2022).
