Xin Wei Yi Technology Park by NBBJ

Office Building

Today’s inspiring project: NBBJ’s Nanjing eco hi-tech Island, which aims to be a hub for high-tech innovation development and practice in China. The island will boost the town’s economic development and foster future sustainable development in the area. 

As China has experienced unprecedented urbanisation and development over the last decade, the recently opened Nanjing Eco Hi-tech Island is the most recent phase of sustainable office research buildings that integrate urbanisation, sustainability, and history. This technology park exemplifies China’s ambitious commitment to sustainability, which focuses on materials transparency and equity initiatives that can build a model for holistic and healthy building for both people and the planet while providing smart eco-urbanism that saves more than 30% on energy consumption. The development includes office buildings that serve as incubators for technology and environmental companies, as well as a cultural venue and a public promenade. In addition to housing the exhibition center program, the client required all office spaces to be located on two large floor plates while maximizing the FAR of the 24,0000 square meter site. 

The island will contribute to the city’s economic development and the area’s long-term development. The ‘xin wei yi technology park,’ located adjacent to the island’s main bridge, is the first plot developed by the island’s master plan. One of the structure’s primary goals is to both attract and retain talent, acting as a kind of beacon for its intended technology and environmental company tenants.

The 13.4 hectares campus, which is organized into clusters along a central spine, promotes an open-park feel while encouraging visibility and interaction among building tenants. With its dramatic dual-layer roofline inspired by the horizon and nearby mountains, the technology park is anchored by an Exhibition Hall that creates a welcoming impression. Each of the eight peaks of the Exhibition Hall roofline has an oculus, or “light cannon,” that directs natural light inside. With its eight-peaked, light cannon rooftop, NBBJ’s Nanjing Eco-Tech Exhibition Centre not only references the Zhong and Stone Mountains but also represents Nanjing’s economic ascension. 

The design of the eight pentagon-shaped Office Research Buildings, which feature large interior courtyards and landscaped roofs, emphasizes the concept of light cannons. Each peak directs light through the four main floors of the structure. This architectural bravery becomes the distinguishing feature of the structure. Light studies were carried out to determine the best daylighting and shading strategies for various times of the day and year. This resulted in the development of the symbolic roof, which overhangs and shades the entire structure from direct solar heat gain. 

To help combat China’s carbon emissions, a variety of green features prioritize site integration, daylight harvesting, natural materials, water reclamation, and filtration. A geothermal heat pump system is also used in the hall. As a result, energy consumption is over 30% lower than in comparable conventional buildings. 

To maximize natural light year-round and reduce excess heat, the research park includes vertical shading elements on its east, west, and south facades. In addition, the building is lifted off the ground to increase natural ventilation and maximize greenspace. Sun control and well-designed shading devices can significantly reduce peak heat gain and cooling requirements while also improving the natural lighting quality of building interiors. Sun control and shading devices can also improve user visual comfort by reducing contrast ratios and controlling glare. This frequently results in increased satisfaction and productivity.

Vertical fins are strategically placed to maximize passive cooling while keeping views clear and open. The fins also include a playful abstracted interpretation of the building’s floor plan. Vertical fins are a great way to make a bold architectural statement while providing sun protection on large, glazed window systems.

Water Conservation

Rooftop gardens and terraces on the Office and Research Buildings, as well as the Exhibition Hall, help to reduce runoff while also providing a habitat for local wildlife and an energizing oasis. When compared to traditional systems, water-saving strategies, such as the simple process or technology used to conserve rainwater by collecting, storing, conveying, and purifying rainwater that runs off of rooftops, parks, roads, open grounds, and so on, can reduce water consumption by up to 50%. Furthermore, native plants reduce the risk of overwatering, reducing the number of harmful chemicals that end up in local waterways. 

As water conservation becomes more important (particularly in drought-prone areas), native plants help to ensure that the campus maintains a high level of curb appeal even when water restrictions are implemented. More than 30% of the landscape is covered in ground-level native plantings to help control runoff and reduce erosion, and local trees and shrubs provide a dramatic entrance to the tech park.

An Urban Ecosystem

Urban public spaces Create balance and value in evolving future cities. Open spaces that are freely accessible are perhaps more critical now than ever before, as they contribute to the overall value and appeal of their cities and towns. NBBJ brings healthy and sustainable environments, regardless of typology, with its globally experienced team of professionals. They believe that great design encourages people to collaborate and innovate. The most energy-intensive building materials are used; to design the world’s most energy-intensive buildings and reduce their energy consumption through a low-carbon approach, resiliency, and other energy-saving strategies. 

Mass timber — prefabricated engineered wood — is changing the game across all building types, enabling low-carbon, low-cost, and high-impact design. The surrounding landscape, with its organic form based on a tree’s branched structure, houses coffee shops and retail spaces. This project demonstrates how parks can be used as a starting point for city design. Of course, technological, and social trends have an impact on design, such as the long-term vision for roads and other infrastructure.

GALLERY

 

From a horizontal massing that forms multiple courtyards with diverse vegetation to natural ventilation to computational simulations that ensure cool breezes find their way to the campus heart. 

• Project: Nanjing Eco Hi-Tech Island: Xin Wei Yi Technology Park
• Client: Sino-Singapore Nanjing Eco Hi-Tech Island Development Co., Ltd
• Architects: NBBJ
• Area: 134000 m²
• Size: exhibition hall: 24,000 sqm; R&D office: 62,000 sqm; residential: 34,000 sqm
• Year: 2020
• City: Nanjing
• Country: China
• Materials: Stone Facade system Curtain Wall
• Category: Exhibition Center, Office Building, Commercial Architecture, Campus Roof Garden, Culture Architecture and Green Architecture
• Consulting company for landscapes: Scape, Cicada
• Sustainability: Tracking Green 3 Star (China’s low-carbon rating system)

References

1. Books

Citations for books: None

2. Articles

Citations for Journals: None

3. Online sources

Citations for websites: 

4. ArchDaily. (2020). Nanjing Eco Hi-Tech Island: Xin Wei Yi Technology Park / NBBJ. [online] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/952315/nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-nbbj?ad_medium=gallery [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
5. Anon, (n.d.). Nanjing Eco Hi-Tech Island, Xin Wei Yi Technology Park – CREDAWARD 地产设计大奖中国. [online] Available at: https://www.credaward.com/en/project/178514/ [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
6. cargocollective.com. (n.d.). sarahgunawan – Personal network. [online] Available at: https://cargocollective.com/sarahgunawan/following/all/sarahgunawan/Nanjing-Eco-Technology-Island [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
7. designboom, philip stevens I. (2021). NBBJ’s jonathan ward discusses designing for amazon and creating sustainable environments. [online] designboom | architecture & design magazine. Available at: https://www.designboom.com/architecture/interview-nbbj-jonathan-ward-sustainable-environments-04-16-2021/ [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
8. www.nbbj.com. (n.d.). Nanjing Eco Hi-Tech Island, Xin Wei Yi Technology Park | NBBJ. [online] Available at: https://www.nbbj.com/work/nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
9.  Inhabitat – Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building | Green design & innovation for a better world. (2021). Xin Wei Yi Technology Park reduces energy and water demands. [online] Available at: https://inhabitat.com/xin-wei-yi-technology-park-reduces-energy-and-water-demands/ [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
10. Images/visual mediums

Citations for images/photographs – Print or Online:

1. Dingman, P. (2020). The Exhibition Hall, with its dramatic roofline, is the first impression of the campus as visitors approach the island from downtown. [gooood] Available at: https://www.gooood.cn/nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-china-by-nbbj.htm [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
2. Dingman, P. (2020). Nanjing Eco Hi-Tech Island: Xin Wei Yi Technology Park / NBBJ. Available at: https://www.credaward.com/en/project/178514/.
3. Zhang, T. (n.d.). The eight peaks on the roof of the project symbolize the neighboring zhong and stone mountains image. Available at: https://www.gooood.cn/nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-china-by-nbbj.htm [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
4. Zhang, T. (n.d.). Exhibition hall exterior view. Available at: https://www.gooood.cn/nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-china-by-nbbj.htm [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
5. Feng, S. (2020). light cannon” detailed view. Available at: https://www.gooood.cn/nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-china-by-nbbj.htm [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
6. Sustainable strategies. (2020). Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/952315/nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-nbbj?ad_medium=gallery [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
7. Dingman, P. (2020). Nanjing Eco-Island research park/vertical shading device. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/952315/nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-nbbj?ad_medium=gallery [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
8. Feng, S. (2020). Nanjing Eco-Island research park/vertical shading device. Available at: https://www.gooood.cn/nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-china-by-nbbj.htm [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
9. ‌ Feng, S. (2020). The strategically placed vertical fins.  Available at: https://www.gooood.cn/nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-china-by-nbbj.htm [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
10.  Dingman, P. (2020). Vertical shading device. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/952315/nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-nbbj?ad_medium=gallery [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
11. Zhang, T. (2022). landscape around the Exhibition Hall. Available at: https://www.designboom.com/architecture/interview-nbbj-jonathan-ward-sustainable-environments-04-16-2021/ [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
12. ‌ Feng, S. (2020). ground floor landscape. Available at: https://www.gooood.cn/nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-china-by-nbbj.htm [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
13.  NBBJ (2020). Urban scaling. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/952315/nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-nbbj/5fc391fa63c017f776000056-nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-nbbj-photo [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
14. NBBJ (2020). Office research building plan. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/952315/nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-nbbj/5fc391fa63c017f776000056-nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-nbbj-photo [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
15. Feng, S. (2020). Office research building rooftop view. Available at: https://www.gooood.cn/nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-china-by-nbbj.htm [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
16. Feng, S. (2020). Office research building rooftop view. Available at: https://www.gooood.cn/nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-china-by-nbbj.htm [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
17. Feng, S. (2020). the undulating landscape surrounding the office buildings Available at: https://www.gooood.cn/nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-china-by-nbbj.htm [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
18. NBBJ (2020). Exhibition hall. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/952315/nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-nbbj/5fc391fa63c017f776000056-nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-nbbj-photo [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
19. NBBJ (2020). Exhibition hall. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/952315/nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-nbbj/5fc391fa63c017f776000056-nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-nbbj-photo [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
20. NBBJ (2020). Exhibition hall. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/952315/nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-nbbj/5fc391fa63c017f776000056-nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-nbbj-photo [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
21.  NBBJ (2020). Exploded Axonometric. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/952315/nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-nbbj/5fc391fa63c017f776000056-nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-nbbj-photo [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
22.  Zhang, T. (2022). Interior View. Available at: https://www.gooood.cn/nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-china-by-nbbj.htm [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
23. Zhang, T. (2022). Interior View. Available at: https://www.gooood.cn/nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-china-by-nbbj.htm [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
24. Zhang, T. (2022). Interior View. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/952315/nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-nbbj/5fc391fa63c017f776000056-nanjing-eco-hi-tech-island-xin-wei-yi-technology-park-nbbj-photo [Accessed 24 Oct. 2022].
25. Other source types