Hangzhou International Exhibition
Hangzhou, China
1,119,000 SF
The design motif for the exhibition / conference complex is to unify the entire facility with a graceful, rolling roof structure that recalls the undulating form of the mountain backdrop beyond the West Lake, as well as the graceful waters of the adjacent river. This roof extends to embrace the low-rise portion of the 1000-room hotel, leaving 600 rooms to rise in a round tower, recalling the historic form of the pagoda. The exhibition facility provides 904,000 SF of flexible space, each with the potential to be sub-divided into four halls that can be used independently or in combination. A 12-story office building of 215,000 SF overlooks the canal to the north, and the two-level retail, restaurant, and entertainment area flanks the canal promenade on both sides. Traditional wooden screens have been adapted in a modern way to provide sun protection on both the east and west facades.