Foster + Partners design competition, New centre for Hangzhou, Mixed-Use building development, Chinese architecture

Foster + Partners wins competition to design a new centre in Hangzhou, China

2 November 2023

Architects: Foster + Partners

Location: Hangzhou, China

Foster + Partners to design New Centre in Hangzhou

Renders by Foster + Partners

Foster + Partners wins competition to design a new centre for Hangzhou

Foster + Partners has won the international competition to design a new centre for Hangzhou, the capital of China’s Zhejiang province. The masterplan creates a green and interconnected mixed-use quarter, at the heart of the Yuhang District.

Foster + Partners to design New Centre in Hangzhou, China

Gerard Evenden, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners, said: “We are delighted to have won the competition to design a new centre for Hangzhou, a beautiful city with nature at its heart. Our design stemmed from extensive public consultation – and is all about developing a sustainable new urban quarter, which establishes new connections with nature and makes it a part of people’s everyday lives.”

Foster + Partners to design New Centre in Hangzhou

Bruno Moser, Head of Urban Design, Foster + Partners, said: “The masterplan is organised around a 2.5-kilometre central axis that runs the full length of the site, from north to south. The axis intersects with different bodies of water, generating five distinctive zones with unique characteristics. Each zone celebrates the city’s relationship with water in its various forms, from streams and lakes to canals and wetlands.”

New Centre in Hangzhou by Foster + Partners

Extensive landscaping along the central axis creates a leafy spine that guides people through the district. Green space also bookends the site with a new public park to the north, and a new cultural hub that sensitively connects with a wetland to the south. Cultural landmarks – such as a public library, an exhibition hall and galleries – are located along the full length of the axis. This allows people across the district to access a rich programme of arts and culture.

Foster + Partners to design New Centre in Hangzhou

Massing gradually steps up towards the central axis, to respect the site’s natural surroundings and create a busy urban centre with a dynamic skyline. Building density also increases around public transport hubs to encourage sustainable travel across the city.

Foster + Partners to design New Centre in Hangzhou

Across the site, public transport responds to the needs of local users and connects seamlessly with the city’s wider infrastructure systems. The masterplan provides a multilevel infrastructure network and a diverse range of ‘last mile’ transport options, such as shared micromobility, autonomous pods, shuttles, and water transport.

Foster + Partners to design New Centre in Hangzhou

The low carbon masterplan conserves existing wetlands and incorporates sustainable strategies – such as passive massing and rainwater reuse– to make a positive contribution to Hangzhou. The project aims to achieve China’s 3-star green rating, as well as LEED and WELL Community Gold certification.

Foster + Partners to design New Centre in Hangzhou

Martin Castle, Senior Partner, Foster + Partners, said: “Our masterplan creates a balanced 24-hour district, where people can live, work and play. We are providing a rich mix of public amenities – including offices, nurseries, sports facilities and a shopping centre – in close proximity to vibrant, human-scale neighbourhoods.”

Masterplan building designs

Foster + Partners to design New Centre in Hangzhou China images / information received 021123 from British architecture office Foster + Partners

Architects’ website: fosterandpartners.com

Location: Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China, eastern Asia

New Hangzhou Buildings

Hangzhou Buildings

Hangzhou Buildings Designs – recent selection:

Qianjiang Century City A-07 Plot
Design: Aedas
Qianjiang Century City A-07 Plot Hangzhou
photo : Zhang Xi
Qianjiang Century City A-07 Plot, Hangzhou

Xitou Greentown · Cloud Land Business Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, East China
Design: WJ STUDIO
Cloud Land Business Center Hangzhou
photograph : Zhang Xi
Cloud Land Business Center, Hangzhou

Huaxia Center
Architecture: PH Alpha Design
Hangzhou Huaxia Center China
photo : LUOHAN Architechtural Photography
Hangzhou Huaxia Center

Yinno Unico
Design: MMC DESIGN
YINNO UNICO Boutique Store Hangzhou
space photographs : HAMO VISION / Ye Song
Yinno Unico Boutique Store

Architecture by Zaha Hadid Architects in China

Contemporary Zaha Hadid Architects Designs in China – recent selection on e-architect:

ZHA Future Cites exhibition Chengdu
ZHA Future Cites exhibition Chengdu, China
photo : Liang Xue
ZHA Future Cites exhibition Chengdu

Guangzhou Infinitus Plaza
Guangzhou Infinitus Plaza building design by Zaha Hadid Architects
photo : Liang Xue
Guangzhou Infinitus Plaza Building

Architecture in China

Contemporary Architecture in China

China Architecture Designs – chronological list

Chinese Architect Studios – Design Office Listings on e-architect

Chinese Architecture News

Shanghai Shipyard Masterplan, Lujiazui District, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
Architecture: Farrells
Shanghai Shipyard Masterplan Lujiazui District
photo © Terrence Zhang and Farrells
Shanghai Shipyard Masterplan

Comments / photos for the Foster and Partners to design New Centre in Hangzhou, China designed by Foster + Partners page welcome.