China has witnessed rapid urban development over the past decade, resulting in significant challenges such as pollution, flooding, and various environmental issues. The New Weiyi Science and Technology Park, located on Nanjing Ecological Science and Technology Island, serves as a smart and sustainable urban initiative emphasizing the vital relationship between humans and the Earth’s ecosystem.
Situated just 6.5 kilometers from downtown Nanjing and connected by a bridge to the new central business district, the ecological technology island acts as a crucial link promoting both economic growth and sustainability. The park centers on high-tech innovation, aiming to offer a fresh ecological destination for locals and visitors alike. It encompasses a cultural venue, a public corridor, and office spaces designed for technology and environmental startups.
The design prioritizes human-scale spaces to engage citizens and tourists effectively. The exhibition hall impresses visitors with its striking roofline, featuring eight peaks symbolizing the nearby Zhongshan Mausoleum. Each peak is hollow with a circular opening at the top, allowing natural light to flood the large flat interior spaces through what the architects call “Light Cannons.” This concept extends to the office and research buildings, where eight pentagonal structures with spacious indoor courtyards showcase the project’s distinctive architectural style.
The scale of the R&D buildings transitions from small to large, inspired by traditional Chinese architecture. Prominent overhanging eaves anchor the buildings to the ground while creating a sense of suspension. Adjacent undulating landscape structures house coffee shops and retail spaces, with organic forms derived from the branching patterns of trees.
This project highlights sustainable architectural practices in China. To tackle the country’s carbon emission challenges, it emphasizes preserving and reusing natural materials, implementing water recycling and filtration systems, and maximizing natural light usage.
Energy-saving roof design: The exhibition hall features a double-layer roof that minimizes energy loss. Its large overhanging eaves provide effective shading for the building facade. The eight “light cannons” bring abundant natural light inside. Based on detailed optical studies, the design optimizes lighting and shading for different times of day and seasons. Combined with geothermal heat pump systems, the exhibition hall consumes approximately 30% less energy than similar buildings.
△ Exhibition Hall Sustainability Strategy
△ Shading Strategy of the Exhibition Hall
Innovative workspace design: The office research and development building incorporates several unique strategies. The first and second floors are elevated to enhance natural ventilation. The pentagonal floor plan optimizes rental space and maximizes daylight penetration. Customized vertical louvers on the facade provide efficient shading, expansive views, and ease of cleaning and maintenance. Each design element aims to reduce heat loss and lower the energy load of the buildings.
Sustainability Strategy for Office R&D Buildings
Zero water loss: Rooftop gardens and stepped terraces on both the exhibition hall and office buildings reduce water runoff while creating habitats for local wildlife and plants. These green spaces offer a peaceful retreat for visitors and residents, with panoramic views of Nanjing’s city center. Water collection and reuse systems cut daily irrigation needs by nearly 50% compared to conventional methods. Native vegetation covers over 30% of the ground area, reducing water loss and providing comfortable outdoor spaces for relaxation.
Design Drawings
△ Floor Plans for Exhibition Halls 1 and 2
Plans of the third and fourth floors of the exhibition hall
△ Fifth Floor Plan of the Exhibition Hall
Project Information
Project Type: Office Facilities, Sustainable Development
Location: Nanjing, China
Architectural Design: NBBJ
Area: 134,000 m²
Completion Year: 2020
Photographers: Zhang Qianxi, Paul Dingman
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