Photo by Wu Qingshan
Photo by Zhang Yong
Photo by Wu Qingshan
Jiangxia District in Wuhan, home to Tangxun Lake—the largest urban lake in Asia—is currently experiencing rapid development, similar to other economic zones across China. Within just a few years, the area is expected to evolve from rural land into an industrial park, and eventually into a thriving city.
As the first office building constructed by the lake, our primary design challenge was to address the quick pace of demand changes and potential conflicts that such rapid development brings.
Photo by Zhang Yong
Photo by Zhang Yong
Key design principles such as density, tolerance, durability, and resilience have proven essential for addressing challenges, especially in China’s second-tier cities.
Photo by Wu Qingshan
Back in 2012, Tencent was undergoing rapid expansion. The Tencent Wuhan R&D Center, one of four such centers in China, was strategically located near the lake to take advantage of the excellent natural environment.
Photo by Zhang Yong
Photo by Zhang Yong
Photo by Wu Qingshan
Photo by Wu Qingshan
Photo by Zhang Yong
The project spans 75,000 square meters and consists of five floors. Its layout features three twists and turns, unfolding linearly along the lake’s edge to maximize the number of lakeview perspectives.
Each floor is designed to maximize office space, supported by multiple vertical circulation cores. This layout enhances communication and collaboration efficiency while allowing flexible and effective use of space.
Photo by Wu Qingshan
Photo by Zhang Yong
Photo by Zhang Yong
Photo by Zhang Yong
The ground floor public area includes exhibition halls, QQ shops, and cafes. Its base is made of printed glass and appears like a white floating mist over the lake, creating a harmonious dialogue with the surrounding environment.
The office spaces begin from the second floor upwards, connecting to a large terrace and stepped area along the lake shore. This outdoor space is designed for lunch breaks, evening gatherings, or even a walk through the nearby lakefront forest directly from the office.
Photo by Wu Qingshan
Photo by Zhang Yong
Photo by Zhang Yong
Photo by Wu Qingshan
Photo by Zhang Yong
Photo by Zhang Yong
Photo by Zhang Yong
We created a clean, sharp form along the city interface using dark-colored walls. These walls extend all the way to the roof, folding down to face the lake.
The top edges undulate, continuing the wall’s design and concealing rooftop equipment. From a high-rise view overlooking Tangxun Lake, the building presents a clear, crisp view: a solid dark gray block with scattered metallic highlights.
Photo by Zhang Yong
Photo by Zhang Yong
Photo by Wu Qingshan
To frame the main entrance with a lake view, we designed a 10×30 meter overhanging structure, creating a view corridor towards the lake.
A water feature guides visitors from the entrance to the lake shore, forming a visual axis that connects Tangxun Lake with the city. The landscape unfolds along this water element, allowing visitors to stand beneath the large sloping overhang, admire the distant bridge, and feel the fresh breeze over the water.
Photo by Wu Qingshan
Photo by Wu Qingshan
The project took seven years from design to completion. After opening, due to market strategy changes, Tencent Wuhan initially used only one floor for its offices. The remaining space was leased out as a crowdsourcing office.
This shift in business strategy rendered many initial design concepts unnecessary. Fortunately, the building’s flexible design allowed it to easily adapt to these changes.
Photo by Wu Qingshan
Project Drawings
Master Plan
First Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
Elevation Drawing
Elevation Drawing
Elevation Drawing
Sectional View
Sectional View
Sectional View
Sectional View
Sectional Perspective View
Sectional View
Sectional View
Sectional View
Project Information
Architect: Qicheng Design
Address: Tencent Avenue, Jiangxia District, Wuhan City, Hubei, China
Category: Office Buildings
Creative and Design Team: Zheng Jianlei, Sun Chengyu, Ding Hao, Wu Youde
Building Area: 75,000 square meters
Project Year: 2016
Photographers: Wu Qingshan, Zhang Yong
Partner: Zhubo Design (Group) Co., Ltd
Owner: Tencent Technology (Wuhan) Co., Ltd
Brands: Schneider Electric, Thyssen Elevator, Thorne Lighting
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