Southern Power Grid’s production and research comprehensive base is nestled within a densely forested hillside. Designed by GMP von Gerkan, Marg and Partners Architects, the park seamlessly integrates architecture with nature. The complex features individual buildings interspersed with open courtyards, small green squares, light-filled courtyards, and pedestrian bridges that connect the various spaces. Both the main building and the conference center have achieved LEED sustainability certification.
The main building and conference center have been awarded LEED-NC Gold certification. In 2018, the entire project won the first prize for outstanding engineering design in Guangzhou. Located in Guangzhou Science City, Huangpu District, the base consists of eight buildings scattered across a narrow site at the foot of Spire Mountain. Each building is developed from a basic square form.
▲ General layout plan
The architectural complex is composed of a solid base, transparent connecting elements, and an upper block that appears to float above. Light-colored horizontal granite columns define the façade’s overall image and serve as a key theme in the architectural language. Their depth also functions as sunshades for interior spaces. In contrast, the dark vertical frames and curtain wall structures include integrated sunshade curtains, enhancing heat dissipation on the building exterior. Inside, similar materials maintain a consistent design style across different functional areas of the park and individual buildings.
The park’s main entrance is on Kexiang Road to the south, featuring a large outdoor staircase and ramp that lead directly to the main building. The main building is set back slightly from the site boundary, creating a spacious front plaza. A pool in the plaza guides visitors toward the building’s inner courtyard, with half of the pool situated beneath a canopy that forms the entrance foyer.
The conference center is located at the entrance on Xiangshan Road to the west. It includes a 600-seat conference hall along with exhibition and event spaces. Opposite this building is a corporate archive. East of the main building, two additional buildings accommodate offices, research and development, and power dispatch control centers. Together with the cafeteria on the slope, these structures form the park’s central area. Sunken courtyards provide natural light and add a distinctive appeal to the space. Sports facilities and employee dormitories are located on the east side of the park, offering accommodation also suitable for visitors.
Project Drawings
▲ First floor plan
▲ Third floor plan
▲ Sectional view
Project Information
Architectural Firm: von Gerkan, Marg and Partners Architects (gmp)
Location: Guangdong Province, China
Category: Office Facilities
Lead Architects: Meinhard von Gerkan, Stephan Schütz, Nicolas Pomränke
Building Area: 356,670 square meters
Project Year: 2019
Photographer: Christian Gahl
Competition Stage Project Leader: Simon Schetter
Competition Stage Design Team: He Xiao Hua, Xu Ji, Helene Kä schel, Qin Wei, Thilo Zehme, Zhang Xuan
Implementation Phase Project Leader: Jens Förster
Implementation Phase Design Team: Jan Peter Deml, Gai Xudong, Bernd Gotthard, He Xiao Hua, Helene Kä schel, Lian K (BIM architecture) ian, Andreas Maue, Pan Xin, Katja Pötzsch, Simon Schetter, Kristin Schoyerer, Qin Wei, Xu Ji, Ye Keke, Thilo Zehme
Chinese Cooperative Design Unit: Guangzhou Design Institute
Landscape Design: Rehwaldt Landscape Architects
Structural Design: Schlaich Bergermann and Partners
Energy Design: Happold Ingenieurbüro GmbH
Lighting Design: Schlotfeld Lichtdesign
Owner: China Southern Power Grid Co., Ltd (BIM Work)
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