Located in Wuhan Optics Valley, the Changfei Fiber Optic Industry Building is a flagship project designed by Gensler in collaboration with the owner. Centered on the vision of “smart connectivity, a better life,” the design embraces principles of connectivity, innovation, sustainability, and wellness. The result is a people-focused, collaborative, innovative, and green headquarters that highlights Changfei Fiber Optic’s leadership in the global optical communication sector and its international “Made in China, Connected Worldwide” strategy.
The building’s design draws inspiration from the owner’s core product—optical fiber. Five massive “optical fibers” converge at the building’s center, forming a visually striking landmark and a cohesive atrium space that encourages communication, collaboration, and innovation among employees. These “Five Wings” radiate naturally from the atrium with an open and inclusive layout, symbolizing Changfei Fiber’s mission to connect every corner of the world through fiber optics.
The entrance plaza, shaped by two wings of the building, welcomes both pedestrians and vehicles. The main entrance features an impressive 18-meter-long cantilever with a column-free design that creates a powerful visual impact and connects strongly with the building’s atrium.
Serving as the spatial and visual heart of the building, a seven-story atrium links the office spaces located in the five wings. Surrounding this atrium are flexible meeting areas designed to foster creative discussions, communication, and collaboration—providing a vibrant “third space.”
The “social staircase” around the atrium acts as a sculptural centerpiece, connecting multiple floors and encouraging employees to explore different areas. This design promotes interaction and serendipitous encounters between departments. The staircase also creates several “pocket courtyards” connected to the main atrium, adding dynamic spatial variety.
According to Gensler’s office space research, employee collaboration significantly boosts productivity. The open flow around the atrium offers a platform for cross-department teamwork. The office wing dedicated to focused work provides quiet spaces for deep concentration, while the flexible layout supports diverse work modes including socializing, learning, collaboration, and individual focus. The efficient floor plan ensures quick access to the atrium from all office zones.
The building’s green and intelligent facade supports Changfei Fiber’s dual carbon goals and sustainable development strategy. Gensler integrated advanced sustainable design strategies to enhance the building’s performance during construction and operation.
Inspired by traditional Chinese window frames and cutting-edge curtain wall technology, the facade features a smart three-layer system. Sensors and built-in motors adjust the middle layer’s sunshade louvers in response to environmental and lighting changes. This dynamic system controls light and heat entering the interior, optimizing self-heating and cooling functions to handle extreme weather conditions such as high temperatures, intense sunlight, and heavy rain. It also enhances energy efficiency, maintains a comfortable indoor environment, and creates a visually engaging exterior.
Healthy architectural design aims to positively impact the physical and mental wellbeing of users. Drawing on years of research into office design trends, Gensler emphasizes three key health aspects: lighting and visibility, access to outdoor spaces, and social areas.
By applying these health-focused strategies, the design fosters an office environment that boosts productivity, sparks creativity, and supports employees’ physical and mental balance. The architecture naturally forms five themed outdoor courtyards: the arrival square, sports square, sunken garden, open-air stage, and green open space.
The fitness center connects directly to the sports square, while the staff cafeteria opens onto the sunken garden, providing abundant natural light and landscaped views. Outdoor spaces are vertically distributed throughout the building, with rooftop terraces on the fifth and seventh floors accessible from the atrium. These terraces offer employees areas for socializing, informal meetings, and flexible work outdoors.
The innovative “smart facade” brings natural light and excellent visibility to the offices within each wing while employing advanced technologies to optimize indoor air quality and temperature.
At the top of the atrium, electric operable windows provide natural ventilation under favorable outdoor conditions. This system introduces fresh, high-quality air indoors, enhancing occupant comfort and health, while also reducing long-term operational costs.
The Changfei Fiber Optic Industry Building is a forward-thinking headquarters designed with leading international office concepts. It offers a platform where employees can learn, communicate, and innovate, fostering a strong sense of belonging and alignment with the company’s vision—ultimately supporting the company’s continued growth and success.
Project Drawings
△ Model Diagram
△ Model Diagram
△ Model Diagram
△ Model Diagram
△ Model Diagram
△ Generated Graph
△ Generated Graph
△ Functional Zoning Diagram
△ General Layout Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Fourth Floor Plan
△ Fifth Floor Plan
△ Section Diagram
△ Sectional Perspective
Schematic Diagram of △ Axis Network
△ Analysis Chart
△ Epidermal Analysis Chart
△ Analysis Chart
△ Analysis Chart
Project Information
Architect: Gensler
Area: 69,645 m²
Project Year: 2023
Photographer: RAWVISION Studio
Project Leaders: Li Xiaomei, Liu Jingyan
Design Director: Jaime Gimeno
Design Manager: Cheng Zhen
Design Team: Liu Xiaofei, Ludwik Kaizerbrecht
Project Architect: Qiu Sheng
Domestic Design Institute: CITIC Architecture Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd
Structural Consultant: Oyana
Mechanical and Electrical Consultant: Oyana
Curtain Wall Consultant: Yinghaite
Lighting Consultant: Yinghaite
Interior Design: B+H
Landscape Consultant: AURA
LEED Consultant: Beijing Dashide Run Energy Technology Co., Ltd
Owner: Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company
Location: Wuhan
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