HASSELL designs alibaba headquarters as workplace benchmark

HASSELL designs alibaba headquarters as workplace benchmark
image © peter bennetts
all images courtesy of HASSELL studio

the international australian-founded architecture firm HASSELL studio designs the new alibaba headquarters as an example for the future of working in china. the 150,000 square meter office complex is designed with flexible open plan space within a campus style plan in hangzhou. the design is firmly based on the ideas of connectivity, clarity and community. the manifestation of these concepts are intended to create a positive and healthy environment that encourage informal and creative interactions throughout the project. meeting places, lounge spaces, ample circulation zones – both internal and external, and roof terraces are destination points strategically placed to encourage collaboration. overall, the constructed masses and designed voids are integrally linked as one cohesive orchestration of figure and ground. a series of landscaped spaces and outdoor plazas are shaded by architectural cantilevers are reminiscent of traditional vernacular chinese ice-pattern window screens that are found locally. these latticed planes then complete the façades of the buildings on campus, uniting the elements of the central courtyard.

architectural cantilevers are reminiscent of traditional vernacular chinese ice-pattern window screens
image © peter bennetts

the headquarters is constructed at a monumental scale
image © peter bennetts

complex patterns and geometries unite figure and ground
image © peter bennetts

lattice-like sunshading encompasses a courtyard on the alibaba headquarters campus
image © peter bennetts

an extensive network of circulation spaces create a strong sense of connectivity
image © peter bennetts

the design features numerous places for interaction and collaboration
image © peter bennetts

a warm glow settles on the facades during the golden hour before sunset
image © peter bennetts

the masterplan in elevation
image © peter bennetts

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project info:

project name: alibaba headquarters
location: hangzhou, pr china
disciplines: architecture
expertise: commercial and workplace
year: 2009
scale: 150,000 sqm
client: alibaba group
status: completed
photography: peter bennetts
recognition:
2010 china’s most successful design awards – gold award
2011 asia pacific property awards – office architecture china – highly commended