bright orange exterior corridor wraps around GLA design's office building in china

Chiatai Qingchunbao Production and R&D Headquarters by GLA

GLA Design’s Shanghai Pharma Chiatai Qingchunbao Production and R&D Headquarters is situated in the Deqing Moganshan Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone. Phase one, already operational, consists of a production park, while phase two encompasses new production workshops for oral liquid and injection products, along with a headquarters R&D office building.

The project site is a rectangular plot, bordered by phase one of the park to the north and the new phase two to the south. Originally, the production and R&D functions were separated, with workshops A and B and the R&D office building set apart. By shifting workshop B, an ‘L’ shaped complex was formed with workshop A, creating a double ‘L’ shaped semi-enclosed layout. This adjustment harmonizes the flow of goods and provides more space for the R&D office building. The new layout integrates various functional zones, transforming isolated structures into a cohesive and dynamic environment.

continuous architectural interface | all images by ©YAO Li

GLA Design’s layout ensures Connectivity and Vertical Efficiency

The design includes an exterior corridor that wraps around the buildings, linking the production workshops with the R&D office building. This corridor promotes interaction among workers and researchers, fostering a sense of community. In the mornings and evenings, this corridor serves as a meeting place, while throughout the day, it provides a space for workers to take breaks and enjoy the outdoor terrace, enhancing communication and collaboration.

Due to the shallow rock layer of the site, digging a basement would be costly and time-consuming. To address the parking needs for over 300 cars, the plan by GLA Design Studio includes an elevated ground-floor garage. This overhead garage minimizes the number of ramps by using the building’s periphery for a semi-open car ramp, providing a more comfortable experience for car travelers and efficiently managing vertical space.

By reconfiguring the layout, integrating connective elements, and employing strategic vertical placement, the Chiatai Qingchunbao Production and R&D Headquarters demonstrates an innovative approach to industrial and office design, enhancing functionality and user experience.

shallow plaza at the entrance

aerial view

continuous corridor

entrance shared by production and R&D

motorized driveway corners

facade of R&D office building

vibrant orange connecting corridors

lane slope

facade detail

main entrance to the drive-through under mezzanine

project info:

name: Shanghai Pharma Chiatai Qingchunbao Production and R&D Headquarters
architect: GLA Design

location: Deqing, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China

photography: Yao Li

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom