Phase I of BOE Chengdu Innovation Center © FTA
The BOE (Chengdu) Innovation Center, situated in the Chengdu High-tech Zone, is supported by FTA, which provides enterprise development assistance and comprehensive industrial innovation venue design services. Inspired by local geo-culture and BOE’s corporate spirit, the center aims to establish an “ecological technology island” that prioritizes functionality, robust ecology, and high flexibility. The project will be developed in three phases, with Phase I’s structure now topped out.
Located to the west of Nanbei Avenue, the main urban road, the site spans approximately 223 acres. The master plan leverages the natural landscape of mountains and water, creating a low-density, green technology island. This hub integrates upstream and downstream industries, innovation, and service resources, forming a key segment of the regional Internet of Things (IoT) industry corridor. Leveraging BOE’s global leadership in semiconductor display and IoT innovation, the center integrates internal and external resources to build a multidimensional ecosystem encompassing technology development, achievement transformation, marketing display, talent exchange, and industrial incubation.
The goal is to pioneer a new ecological model of “industrial symbiosis” and establish a landmark reflecting local geo-cultural identity.
1. Distinctive Geo-Cultural Landmarks
Phase I, located in the southwest of the overall site, covers roughly 56,000 square meters. The building comprises three relatively independent stacked courtyard clusters, designed with flexibility in mind and spatial forms inspired by the concept of zero gravity.
△ Design generation process © FTA
The spatial design integrates Chengdu’s regional cultural traits, drawing inspiration from traditional Chengdu residential courtyards. These enclosed “courtyards” incorporate functional spaces including research and development, production, and living facilities, serving as the innovation “source” for BOE.
△ Spatial Concept: Chengdu’s “Courtyard” meets the Science and Technology “Valley” © FTA
The building facade features the distinctive “bamboo” motif native to Chengdu, forming rhythmic curved shapes. Variations in bamboo node patterns are designed to resemble fully unfurled sails, symbolizing BOE’s aspirations for innovation and future success.
△ “Bamboo and Navigation” Facade — Inspired by sail shapes through bamboo node integration © FTA
△ Detailed view of the building facade © FTA
2. Highly Adaptable Spaces Serving the Entire Industry Chain
As a leader in urban innovation districts, FTA crafts tailored spaces based on client needs. After thorough research into the functional demands of various BOE departments, multiple functions were integrated into the three stacked courtyard clusters to serve the entire industry chain.
Using modular space design, strategic column grid layouts, and flexible space configurations, the project delivers adaptable environments capable of evolving with future innovation and usage requirements.
Unlike traditional manufacturing spaces, these adaptable areas emphasize four key features: functional flexibility, operational efficiency, streamlined rationality, and ecological innovation.
The generous floor heights and large column spans (10.5 x 8.7 meters) create versatile spaces that can be subdivided or combined to accommodate different teams and functions, such as R&D offices and production pilot areas. Industrial process needs are addressed by separating personnel and goods flow using a thoughtfully designed three-dimensional circulation system, ensuring both R&D and production coexist efficiently.
The southeast plaza connects the intelligent collaborative platform and ecological cafeteria. Its semi-open design enhances accessibility from other park locations to shared amenities, maximizes natural light and outdoor views, and fosters a humane, welcoming industrial environment.
An open ecological plaza creates a “flexible boundary” that welcomes the city © FTA
The front hall doubles as a lounge and exhibition space, supporting partner enterprises and fostering communication across the industrial chain. The two-story cafeteria offers 700 square meters of dining space, serving not only as a restaurant but also as a vital social hub within the flexible production and research environment.
3. Creating an Ecological and Harmonious Tech Green Valley
The project’s industrial environment design integrates “technological innovation” with “green ecology,” which is a standout feature. FTA considered local climate conditions in detail, situating ecological plazas and water features around the buildings to create pleasant outdoor spaces alongside a timeline of technological innovation.
Some buildings feature elevated first floors to enhance ventilation and natural lighting, reduce energy consumption, and provide quiet, private rest areas for production and research staff. The circular courtyard design includes tiered balconies, inviting employees to step outside and enjoy natural greenery throughout the workday.
Internal ventilation analysis within multi-level courtyards © FTA
The elevated ground floor of the internal courtyard creates a comfortable and inviting activity space © FTA
Additionally, the extensive stacked green roof design enhances the visual appeal as the building’s “fifth facade.” The rooftop vegetation helps regulate the microclimate, reduces energy consumption for indoor temperature control, and provides an ecological, harmonious research and development environment.
As the high-tech manufacturing sector progresses toward Industry 5.0, flexibility and adaptability in R&D and production processes are crucial for industrial transformation and upgrading. FTA’s design for the BOE (Chengdu) Innovation Center delivers a sustainable, people-focused, and resilient “flexible” industrial space. It also provides integrated design strategies addressing urban friendliness, industrial connectivity, enterprise innovation, and green low-carbon initiatives.
△ Topping out ceremony photos for Phase I © FTA
Project Details
Project Name: BOE (Chengdu) Innovation Center
Location: Chengdu High-tech Zone
Total Construction Area (Phase I): 78,000 m²
Above Ground Construction Area (Phase I): 56,000 m²
Floor Area Ratio: 1.14
Phase I Start Date: 2022
Owner: BOE (BOE)
Design Firm: FTA
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