Last edited 15 Feb 2017

Xinhee Design Center

In August 2016, MAD Architects revealed their latest renderings for the Xinhee Design Center, currently under construction in the Chinese coastal city of Xiamen.

With a building area of 61,000 sq. m, the design centre is intended for the international fashion group Xinhee and its six subsidiary brands.

The centre is designed with an atrium space at its core, from which six structures extend which mimic petals, growing from the middle. Each of the organically-formed shapes contains a mix of office spaces and gardens, and can freely interact and 'communicate' with others. The designers believe this radial layout will enhance the flexibility and efficiency of the space, whilst also providing good natural light and ventilation.

A translucent envelope of PTFE provides shade from the sun whilst allowing ventilation. Ma Yansong, MAD founding principal said: ‘We envision it as a building with skin-and-bones … the correspondence of clothing and architecture is they both explore the relationship between the interior and the exterior.’

The atrium’s footbridge provides for air circulation, and doubles as a catwalk for occasional fashion shows. The two glass elevators in the atrium visually connect the offices on different levels.

The design centre is a highly-efficient green building that adapts to the local climate. The atrium reduces the footprint by two-thirds whilst enabling ventilation throughout the building. In the summer months it delivers cool air to each level, whilst in the winter it becomes a sun-filled greenhouse below the glass-enclosed roof. Solar panels line the rooftop, providing electricity for daily operations.

The Xinhee Design Center is expected to be in-use in 2017.