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Büro Ole Scheeren Is Creating an 'Urban Nature and Green Glen' in Hangzhou

The founder of the architecture studio stated: "This will be space that unites living and working with nature, culture, and leisure."

By: THURSD. | 27-11-2024 | 3 min read
Architecture
Towers by Buro Ole architects

The design for Hangzhou, China's flagship mixed-use project, Urban Glen, has been revealed by Büro Ole Scheeren. This ambitious project, created in collaboration with New World Development, a Hong Kong-based company, combines work, lifestyle, nature, and culture creatively. The project is currently being built, with a completion date of 2025. Hangzhou, a city renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed West Lake, dubbed China's 'paradise on earth', is home to their first project, Urban Glen, and here's what to know about the mix of architecture and nature this project will have.

A Futuristic Look at Architecture and Nature by Büro Ole Scheeren

Urban Glen is a key component of the Wangjiang New Town project, a revolutionary urban endeavor that links Hangzhou's Cultural Old City Center with its New Central Business District. It is situated between the famous West Lake and the Qiantang River. The development's significance in connecting Hangzhou's past and present is highlighted by its advantageous position.

 

Facade of nature in buildings and surrounding them
Renders show how filled with nature the towers and surroundings will be

 

Büro Ole Scheeren's architects split the project into two buildings, adding almost 75,000 square meters (about 800,000 square feet) of business, hotel, and recreational space to Hangzhou, not to mention the fantastic green views and additions of plants and special designs these two buildings will have. The two towers will be connected by a central feature called the Urban Glen, creating a lively public area that blends urban and natural features. A Rosewood Hotel will be housed in one tower, and more than 46,000 square meters (about 500,000 square feet) of office space will be available under the K11 Atelier brand, renowned for fusing art, culture, and innovative workspace design.

 

Upper view and angle of Urban Glen towers

 

The project will be energetic, with the integration of facilities including meeting rooms, shops, art exhibits, dining options, and patios. Escalators provide easy access between different areas by connecting them horizontally and vertically. Additionally, its core public spine connects to Wangjiang New Town's broader master plan.

 

Urban Glen Towers in China
A look at the future design of Urban Glen towers

 

Stepping Architecture Inspired by Abundant Green Designs and Fantastic Landscapes

A two-dimensional outer shell with smooth vertical channels and an inner façade with 'dissolving', layered geometric volumes inspired by the natural contours of the surrounding terrain will be the two contrasting facade styles that they will shape into its Urban Glen. This combination links the urban block to its verdant interiors.

 

Part of the down lobby filled with nature as well
Verdant interiors and exteriors characterize the project

 

Drawing influence from Hangzhou’s leafy and grass-covered hills, the cascade-tiered forms will take life as a three-dimensional environment. In addition to providing natural light to the towers, these terraces and green areas will provide a platform for New World Development's collection of sculptures and artwork, surrounded by nature at all times. This area, which is open to the public and private residents, will promote cross-cultural communication, interaction, and the importance of the human relationship to nature every single day.

 

Urban Glen by Buro Ole architects

 

The founder of the studio shared:

"Instead of creating a hermetic singular volume, the project opens a highly interactive space in the middle of the city block — a space that unites living and working with nature, culture, and leisure. It’s a model for activating urban density through the insertion of differentiated spaces of life — we want to redefine how we bring together culture and nature to foster a sense of community and social interaction."

 

Urban Glen towers during the night
Urban Glen towers during the night are very well illuminated and, once again, surrounded by nature to create a more in-depth relationship between people and nature

 

Photos by Büro Ole Scheeren.

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