Hangzhou Gateway, China
In February 2017, Hangzhou Gateway, a striking new office tower in Hangzhou, China, was completed.
Designed by JDS Architects, the 16-storey building incorporates two massive voids that are cut diagonally through it. The resulting ‘H-shape’ creates a stepped park on top and an arched pathway for pedestrians beneath, linking both sides of the building with a historical market hall, currently undergoing renovation, a public green space.
With a concave plan, the walkway divides the lower floors of the 23,600 sq. m building into two quarter-circle plans.
The main structural supports are provided by two vertical circulation spaces which brace the lower floor plates. These two cores are spanned by the middle floor plates like a simple beam, which creates a stable platform for the upper floors.
On top, the void in the roof creates a green park with a series of stepped terraces, a feature that the architects say is a reference to the ancient Chinese rice-field landscapes. The opening is oriented so as to provide office workers with maximum sunlight and views. The staggered terraces also retain rainwater, which is used to assist with the building’s cooling.
Content and imagery courtesy of JDS Architects.
Photography is by Julien Lanoo.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.