Introduction
The Zhengzhou Linkong Biopharmaceutical Park is located in the city’s Airport Economic Zone, where the proliferation of industries such as biotechnology is encouraged. It is situated in the Henan Province, considered one of China‘s rapidly growing areas. It is recognised as the largest innovative and entrepreneurship base dedicated to the research & development, and production of life science and biotechnology in the region. The local government has invested in the project to make it a ground reality, and it covers an area of 2000 mu (approx. 135 hectares).
Master Planning of the Park
The planning and design of the park encountered significant challenges in integrating planning and design principles with the specific requirements of scientific research and production processes within the biochemical industry. Creative solutions were proposed encompassing macroplanning conception, space scene construction, and the realisation of construction details. The aim was to fully showcase the characteristics of biomedicine, a high-tech field, while enduring both practicality and aesthetics throughout the park.
The Units & The Whole
To achieve a cohesive and unified whole, the park was divided into a south area and a north area based on their respective functions. The central life axis, characterised by a curvilinear pathway, facilitated a seamless dialogue between the North and South areas, enabling visitors to freely navigate and explore the park.
It is observed that the high-rise R&D incubation and experimental product facilities have been primarily featured on the southern side of the axis, which are complemented by supporting amenities for a vibrant living environment.
The northern side predominantly consists of modular pilot testing groups and production plants, buildings of contrasting heights. The central section houses the exhibition centre and a state-of-the-art laboratory for high-end achievement transformation. This clear functional division and streamlined zoning adhered to the operational principles of the biomedical industry has optimised the spatial plan as per site orientation and climatic conditions, resulting in a comprehensive pharmaceutical industrial park that seamlessly integrated production, life and ecology.
Additionally, the park adopted a small block dense road network planning approach. This method ensured efficient spatial operation while enhancing the flexibility of property assets to mitigate potential market risks in the future.
Form, Functions and Spaces
Structure 1: The Exhibition Centre
The design of the exhibition centre at the park takes inspiration from the genetic DNA double helix, a symbol of the modern biomedical industry. It has three stories. The building’s exterior features a spiral continuous metal shutter design, while the interior incorporates a double helix structure. Three rotating ellipses, each serving different functions and rotating in different directions, and the continuous plastic form creates visually engaging, provide functional diversity & dynamic spaces within and surrounding the building. The design element extends from the ground waterscape to the roof platform, creating a visually striking and cohesive appearance.
Internally, the double helix structure is incorporated to meet the visual requirements from all directions. This design choice ensures that visitors can appreciate the structure and its unique form from various angles, enhancing the immersive experience within the exhibition spaces. It also contributes to creating a continuous and infinite plastic form, further emphasising the connection to the biomedicine field and its ever-evolving nature.
Structure 2: Incubation Building
The Incubation Building is an 80 m tall structure strategically positioned along the road setting a benchmark for the emerging built-form landscape in the airport area. The building incorporates silver and white aluminium plate lines and shapes changes in the glass curtain wall to create a landmark architectural image that embodies the future-oriented and technological aspects of the industry.
The vertical lines on its façade connect seamlessly to the conference centre roof, forming a cohesive visual background for the entrance square. Additionally, the combination of aluminium plates and glass curtain walls in the South District’s high-rise buildings creates a unified community atmosphere, reinforcing the park’s identity as a thriving hub for biopharmaceutical innovation.
Structure 3: The Academician Workstation
This arc-shaped structure with a green plant roof serves as an exclusive & high-level space specifically designed for the leaders of Zhengzhou’s biomedical industry. The space is tailored to meet their unique needs and provides a prestigious environment for conducting business and networking. Due to its sophisticated and refined setting, the centre creates a favourable and inviting atmosphere for attracting potential investors and industry leaders.
Other Related Structures
- Production Supporting Facilities buildings in the north district of the Biopharmaceutical Park prioritise meeting specific process requirements, such as floor heights, column spans, and structural loads, while also considering other specialised building services and cargo transportation.
The ‘windmill group’ property right has been applied to create a flexible and adaptable infrastructure that can cater to the needs of enterprises and facilitate the development of the entire industrial chain.
Living Facilities
Many design elements have been blended to create a pleasant, high-quality environment for the researchers. One of the key features is the organisation of buildings into a series of courtyards, which not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also serves a practical purpose.
Intermediate Spaces
The intermediate spaces in the biopharmaceutical park play a crucial role in facilitating various activities and functions within the complex. These spaces serve as transitional zones between different areas and can have multiple purposes. They offer opportunities for informal meetings, discussions and exchange of ideas fostering a sense of community and innovation.
As the entire park is interconnected via curvilinear pathways, the intermediate spaces are also promoted for recreation and athleisure purposes. Due to the care and attention provided to each detail while planning the layout, these spaces can be enjoyed at the micro scale.
The park also offers recreational facilities for the occupants. Dynamic sports signs are scattered throughout the park, indicating the presence of amenities like tennis courts and health trails. These facilities encourage physical activity and provide opportunities for the residents to engage in sports and outdoor activities during their breaks, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
Details
The materials, construction details and sustainability aspects of the different structures in the Park culminate to form a fully functional, humanistic and ecologically responsive site.
Materials & Construction Details
The materials used in the project serve both functional and aesthetic purposes.
Full Height Glass Curtains:
It includes full-height floor-to-ceiling glass panels that have been tempered, with a thickness most suitable to the wind load, structural & aesthetic requirements. The framing system is made of aluminium.
The mullions and transoms have been sectioned as per aesthetic and functional requirements. The aluminium structural support of the glass curtain system is robust as it carries the weight of the glass panel, the structural system for the metal shutters (and its movement), and other loads such as seismic load.
Green Roof
It contributes as a functional and aesthetic aspect of the workstation building. The bottom-most layer of a green roof typically consists of a waterproof layer to protect the main structure from any structural damage, as it is a durable, impermeable membrane. Followed by a root barrier layer that holds space for the plant roots to grow to their capacity. The drainage layer made of lightweight materials such as geotextile fabric removes excess water from the green roof. The topmost filter fabric above layer captures the fine particles to protect the drainage layer from clogging.
A specifically engineered lightweight growing medium allows it to serve as a soil base where the grass and other vegetation are grown. Usually, low-maintenance, drought-resistant vegetation is selected for this. The workstation building may or may not contain an irrigation feature for maintenance purposes.
Wooden Cladding
In the exhibition building, the restaurant includes some furniture with wooden elements. The wooden cladding has been utilised along the column system to provide structural support, and thermal insulation and has been converted to a functional purpose, to that of a shelf unit.
The wood-based panel for the exterior finish of the furniture piece adds warmth and texture in the otherwise plain interior space.
Metal Shutters
The metal shutters consist of slats or panels made from perforated aluminium to make the building seem lighter. Each of these is held together by horizontal supports connected to an overall structural system.
Sustainability aspects
Courtyards
Wherever suitable, the courtyards have been provided that are filled with landscapes featuring different themes and providing a diverse and visually appealing environment. These landscapes may include lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and other elements of nature, creating a verdant atmosphere.
These bring nature close to the building, allowing a feeling of openness due to the bright light and promoting cross ventilation. This helps to create a refreshing and rejuvenating ambience for researchers, users, and visitors alike.
Water Fountain
The presence of these contributes to the microclimate of the park. The evaporative cooling from water bodies assists in lowering the temperatures in the surrounding area during hot weather, providing a more comfortable outdoor environment. This cooling effect can be especially beneficial in warmer climates creating inviting spaces for outdoor activities.
Landscaping
The landscape design features at the site to the micro-level. The circulation and the landscape space at the periphery balance and complement each other. This allows a lush nature experience every few metres. The cooling effect from the plant shade is an integral desideratum. The rows of shrubs dotted with regular-height trees and the lush lawn provides respite and add to the slow-paced exploration experience of the park.
This design includes attention to detail, the play of materials, and function overall demonstrate a thoughtful consideration for human comfort and well-being.
Atrium
The atrium of the exhibition building extends through the three floors and is surrounded by ramps connecting different floors. The abundant natural light is brought in via skylight, allowing it to circulate deep in the building, reducing energy costs during the daytime. The skyline also includes automatic louvres that can be adjusted for light or brightness in daily requirements.
The space is a focal point of the internal structure, bringing natural light and a sense of openness to its interiors. The white colour expands the space visually. The ventilation strategy for the space can additionally support natural airflow to reduce the need for mechanical cooling.
Metal Shutters
The aluminium shutters contribute to energy efficiency by reducing the heat transfer between the interior and exterior of the building, thereby regulating indoor temperatures. This also reduces the reliance on heating and cooling systems,, contributing to lower energy costs.
Full Height Glass Curtains
These connect the internal and external views. It creates visual openness, maximises natural light, and fosters seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. This design choice enhances the visitor experience, showcases exhibits effectively, and reinforces the park’s connection to its natural surroundings.
It also allows the occupants to control the amount of natural light entering the space, enhancing comfort.
Green Roof
This offers enhanced insulation, reduced stormwater runoff, improved air quality, and increased biodiversity. It helps regulate the park’s temperature, reducing the energy consumption required for heating or cooling. It also promotes the mitigation of the urban heat island effect.
Conclusion
The Zhengzhou Linkong Biopharmaceutical Park is an ambitious project to establish a centre for life science and biotechnology in the country. Its well-thought-out flexible site design combines functional spaces with aesthetics and sustainability. Incorporating courtyard, water elements, functional built-form systems, and intermediate spaces provides a conducive and inspiring environment for research, collaboration, and well-being. It is a model for other biopharmaceutical parks and demonstrates the potential benefits of integrating nature and sustainable design into such environments.
