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Renderings have been released showing Foster + Partners' competition-winning design for the new Alibaba Headquarters in Shanghai. Becoming the public face of the world's largest online retailer and ecommerce company, the building will grace the growing Xuhui Riverside district and offer sweeping views of the Huangpu River and the Pudong CBD.
The building's design focuses on permeability and transparency, with multiple cavities and glass walls blurring the line between exterior and interior spaces. A central core with viewing terraces, opening up to create a large public urban room, also creates additional connections to the streetscape.
"Our design emphasizes the importance of communication, the integrity of the working community and above all, the creation of an image that reflects the standing of Alibaba," said Luke Fox, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners. "The scheme is truly designed from the inside out, centred on a dynamic, sheltered public space capitalizing on its amazing location with its views of the Huangpu River and the Bund."
The building's massing is informed by a genetic algorithm combining multiple project deliverables, including environmental responsiveness, optimization of views, and specific area requirements for different functions. Providing protection against winter winds and the summer sun, the building form also maximizes user comfort. Interior arrangement of desks, breakout spaces and meeting rooms facilitate collaboration and teamwork.
SkyriseCities will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.
