Qilin Technology Innovation Park

The design for the Qilin Technology Innovation Park exemplifies a new emphasis in Chinese urbanism. The design eschews the trend towards individual architectural trophies, so prevalent in the last twenty years, in favor of creating a holistic district identity and memorable urban spaces on a human scale.

The City of Nanjing is currently developing this district to support science and technology related companies, initiatives and collaborations. This Silicon Valley-inspired district will create a 24-7 mixed-use urban research hub. Consistent with the City’s larger plans, the design addresses two blocks within the new development’s central business district. Containing commercial and government office space, conference facilities, residential buildings, hotels, retail environments and public open space, the two blocks are conceived as a single, cohesive civic campus.

The design presents three goals. First, the architectural composition creates a clear district identity. The district’s buildings are composed of two primary façade systems and a series of large-scale sectional profiles. Visible from the adjacent park and the distant high-speed train, these profiles recall the distinct “horsehead gable” roof profiles of the region while also creating terraces and communal spaces up in the project’s towers. Second, the design creates a series of engaging public spaces, retail corridors and park landscapes to foster a lively and activated pedestrian experience at multiple levels. Last, the design maximizes urban connectivity among all facets of life within this 24-7 neighborhood. Its central spaces and connective corridors support the spontaneous meetings and productive collisions that are vital to both research environments and civic spaces alike.