Jinan Innovation Valley serves as a vibrant hub for innovation and entrepreneurship within Changqing University City. It attracts a diverse, energetic group of young individuals who are both idealistic and pragmatic, collectively shaping the future of the city on this fertile ground of opportunity. However, many of these young professionals commute daily between Innovation Valley and public rental housing, highlighting the challenges posed by inadequate supporting facilities in emerging startup communities—an issue that inspired the creation of this project.
Situated between Innovation Valley and public rental housing, the project site lies on a key commuting route. Responding to contemporary social phenomena such as the self-deprecating labels “social animal,” “inner roll,” “lying flat,” and “Buddhism,” which reflect frustrations with the fast-paced, high-pressure modern lifestyle, the project aims to bridge the gap between work and life balance. While public rental housing addresses basic living needs, it often lacks the spirit of the collective lifestyle that is gradually fading. This project seeks to offer a spiritual oasis for the tireless “dream chasers,” creating a welcoming backyard—a living container designed to alleviate stress and frustration, where individuals can freely express their joys and sorrows in an open and undefined way.
△ Scheme Evolution Diagram
Encircled by the scenic Leifo Mountain and Ma’anshan, the site inspired an architectural narrative that integrates the natural landscape with the building form. Departing from traditional block layouts, the design encloses a courtyard formed by layered, stacked “stones” resembling building volumes. This architectural approach blurs the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces, simultaneously shaping both from the moment of construction.
Drawing inspiration from the closed, composite, and uniform nature of unit courtyards found in planned economies, the design creates a collective architectural pattern. It features a four-sided enclosure with a central courtyard, providing a social space imbued with collective memory to support the diverse lifestyles of modern urban residents.
In design terms, the building volume is broken down into staggered geometric units combined into a three-dimensional micro-settlement, redefining spatial form. The height and undulating roofline correspond with surrounding mountain scenery, adding depth and layering to the urban fabric and residential experience.
The spatial experience is designed to mirror the process of ascending a mountain. As one climbs, the surrounding mountain scenery gradually unfolds like a painting. Residents can relax on the tiered rooftops, watching clouds drift by, enjoying sunrises and sunsets, and feeling the breeze together.
The building’s recessed areas face the courtyard, integrating functions such as cultural activities, leisure, dining, shopping, entertainment, training, makerspaces, and SOHO offices. This creates a community center that fosters interaction and awareness across different spaces, immersing residents in a settlement framed by mountain views. The design encourages a shared appreciation for architecture, collaborative living, and the creation of vibrant, dynamic environments where people can find meaningful connections and experiences.
Project Drawings
△ Model Diagram
△ Model Diagram
△ Model Diagram
△ General Layout Plan
△ 1st Floor Plan
△ 2nd Floor Plan
△ 3rd Floor Plan
△ 4th Floor Plan
△ East Elevation
△ South Elevation
△ Section 1
△ Section 2
△ Node Detail Diagram
Project Information
Project Name: Living Containers in Innovation Valley
Company: Beijing Longyuan Kejian Architectural Design Co., Ltd
Contact Email: 250695060@qq.com
Company Location: 20F, Building 1, Qisheng Plaza, Sanqing, High Tech Zone, Jinan City, Shandong Province
Project Completion Year: 2020
Building Area: 43,739 square meters
Project Address: Furong Road, Innovation Valley Area, Jinan City, Shandong Province
Developer: Shandong Heran Real Estate Co., Ltd
Principal Architect: Sun Xin
Photographer: Wang Chengguang
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