schmidt hammer lassen creates shanghai center for start-ups

schmidt hammer lassen has overhauled an existing office building in china, transforming it into an innovation incubator for hi-tech start-up companies. located within shanghai’s caohejing hi-tech park, the scheme is a pilot project that aims to support and nurture local businesses. cladding the existing structure, the architecture forms a shell, unifying the concrete façade with a corrugated and perforated powder-coated aluminum skin.

all images by peter dixie and leiii zhang

commissioned by caohejing in 2014, schmidt hammer lassen architects’ façade concept allows for a simple and clean expression of openings within and behind the perforated elevation — providing every workspace with shade while optimizing both daylight and external views. the exterior also facilitates increased insulation build-ups, while concealing new and existing services.

the building is located within shanghai’s caohejing hi-tech park

internally, the existing deep plan of the building has been opened up, creating a new atrium with connected views and more daylight. this central space becomes the heart of the entire project, providing visual connections and encouraging collaboration. along with public circulation, the atrium contains break out spaces, a café bar, hanging meeting boxes, and connections to the external green terraces. the incubator also features a site specific mural designed by shanghai-based graffiti artist, the orange blowfish.

the scheme forms a shell, unifying the existing concrete façade

the building’s perforated powder-coated aluminum skin

internally, the existing deep plan of the building has been opened up

the project includes a café bar and hanging meeting boxes

the central atrium provides visual connections and encourages collaboration

the incubator features a mural designed by shanghai-based graffiti artist, the orange blowfish

the façade facilitates increased insulation build-ups, while concealing new and existing services

the concept allows for a simple and clean expression of openings

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schmidt hammer lassen start-up incubator space shanghai designboom

project info:

architect: schmidt hammer lassen architects
landscape architect: schmidt hammer lassen architects
collaborating architect: UDG
structural engineer: UDG
client: caohejing high tech park
area: 1,977 sqm
status: 2014- 2016 complete
photography: peter dixie, leiii zhang

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