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Grand Canal Grain Warehouse Transformation
By : UAD
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition
Discipline : Architecture
Categories : Other categories in architecture / Facade : Gold Certification
The project is situated in the core area of phase II of Qianjiang New City in Hangzhou, at the iconic confluence of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and Qiantang River. Leveraging the national demonstration base for the integration of culture and science and technology and China’s Grand Canal cultural heritage in Hangzhou, the project transformed and repurposed the industrial remnants of the grain warehouse in the east of Hangzhou within a 13,668 square meter land area. The planning and design of this industrial office building, with a gross floor area of 37,088.9 square meters, seamlessly blends science, technology, culture, experience, and practice.
Drawing inspiration from the grain warehouse culture heritage in the east of Hangzhou, the project preserved elements such as arched roof frames, concrete trusses, and tower cranes from the existing structure, revitalizing and continuing local canal history. Through renovating the interiors and facades, the former cargo terminal was repurposed into a passenger yacht terminal and serves as a canal cultural preservation and exhibition center, enriching the cultural significance of the canal, igniting the spirit of the millennium canal in the new era, and establishing a new hub that connects the canal, the city, and citizens.
Following the design concept of “Core of the Canal · Matrix Era”, the project upholds the traditional culture and wisdom of the canal while fostering a matrix of cultural and creative industries. Introducing the concept of “box matrix”, the design incorporated setbacks facing the canal to harmonize with the surrounding landscape and align with height restrictions. It modernizes the traditional horizontal layout of Jiangnan settlements through a vertically stacked design with a sky courtyard growing vertically, resulting in a diverse, creative, and personalized working environment in the industrial campus.
The facade design embodies modernity, simplicity, innovation, and cost-efficiency, meticulously capturing the essence of canal culture. Drawing inspiration from elements like arch bridges, ship cabins, and symbols of surrounding mosques, the design incorporated arc corners and bevel cuttings in the building’s details, creating an architectural identity with a unique style and distinctive characteristics. This concise and sleek architectural expression not only elevates the canal culture but also resonates with the surroundings, aligning perfectly with the nature of this innovative industrial park.
Highlighting the concepts of “Canal Age” and “Box Matrix”, the project is distinguished by its unique image and elegant atmosphere, pays homage to history while embracing future possibilities. It will continue to script a new chapter in the thousand-year legacy of the Grand Canal.
Collaboration
