cheungvogl designs campus office groundscraper in china

cheungvogl designs ‘campus office’ groundscraper in china

all images courtesy of cheungvogl

international firm cheungvogl negates the idea of the office skyscraper by creating a low profile horizontal building, or groundscraper, that emerges from the landscape and interweaves its natural context through the enclosed space of ‘campus office’. its glass facade and delicate structure create the illusion of floor plates floating over the field where it is sited on the periphery of the financial center of shenzen, china. only two stories high, it has an unimposing profile, and is partially masked by adjacent trees. the undulating outline of the building creates spaces for transitional activities, where small groups to meet, and colleagues can socialize. in its park-like context, the employees are encouraged to use the fields for sports and recreation. the open facade also provokes users to extend the boundary of their environment to take advantage of the outdoors, contemplating their work or having lunch in the shade of nearby trees.

the importance of integrating nature is illustrated by pockets of green space comprising almost seven percent of the overall footprint. implementation of glass-enclosed courtyards punctuating the building allow light and air to infiltrate with a regular rhythm along the floor plan. they also serve to physically and visually connect the activities of different departments on each level, welcoming and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration. with ever-advancing needs, an open design and multi-use work space allow flexibility for adaptation to the needs of various teams across disciplines. the atria provide a grid-like structure for easy navigation around the office. their glass facades allow the space to remain transparent, and welcoming for collaboration and impromptu creative interactions.

this long horizontal building rises modestly out of the ground to blend into the landscape

 the transparent skin allows one to experience the outdoors from within

the undulating profile creates space for gathering

thin columns and few walls  keep views open across the office floors

small garden atria pierce through the floor plates, creating interventions of green space

 many trees planted around the building help blend the building with the landscape

the organic form punctuated by natural elements, blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.

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project info:

architect: cheungvogl architectsproject: campus office, location: shenzhen, china
year: 2012main use: office
site area: 40,894 sqm
bldg. area: 11,216 sqm
 gross area: 22,433 sqm
stories: 2