Space with Local Identity
The seamless integration and revitalization of old and new elements within the city.
STEP 1
One City, One Landmark
Discovering the Allure of Technology
BYD’s inaugural brand experience center is located in Wuhan, a vibrant city known as the “thoroughfare of nine provinces” and a key hub of China’s automotive industry. Situated in a prime location with excellent transport links and a bustling commercial atmosphere, this center marks the start of BYD’s “One City, One Landmark” strategy.
The project aims to establish a new commercial landscape that blends technological exploration, cultural and artistic experiences, and spaces for leisure and social engagement.
The Wuhan BYD Brand Experience Center was transformed from the Wuhan International Convention and Exhibition Center. The design carefully adapts to local characteristics, reflecting the city’s unique spirit while maintaining the brand’s premium tone. It showcases BYD’s cutting-edge technology, brand identity, and full range of models, creating a new cultural landmark for new energy vehicles that combines technology, art, and quality living.
Prior to renovation, the building had aged and no longer met urban development needs, lacking distinctive features. As urban renewal progresses, building renovation plays a vital role in revitalizing the cityscape.
Before Renovation
The exterior flower beds, steps, and ramps were removed, and the site elevation was optimized to harmonize with surrounding roads. The building’s main body is enhanced with curved steps and water features that echo the interior design, embodying the consistent elements of Jiangcheng throughout. This approach completes a high-quality, integrated design from architectural renovation to interior space and landscaping.
After Renovation
Renderings serve as the most direct way to communicate design intent. By faithfully translating plans into reality, they showcase our precise control over construction quality.
Rendering | Realistic Visualization
STEP 2
Honoring Tradition and Embracing Fusion
Cultural Imprints Deep in Memory
This design stems from the cultural connection between BYD and Wuhan, paying tribute to the city’s heritage and the company’s spirit. The original semi-circular facade inspired the use of lanterns as a design motif—symbols deeply rooted in traditional Chinese culture and embodying the corporate heart.
The building’s original main structure is preserved as the lantern’s “skeleton.” The vertical ripple texture of the “lantern body” draws on BYD’s core blade battery technology combined with the wave and light patterns of the Yangtze River, creating a vibrant, wave-like artistic form.
The facade features a three-tiered composition. The base is supported by glass ribs and finished with high-transparency white glass to enhance the sense of flow between interior and exterior. The main curtain wall is triple-layered glass: an inner coated layer, a vibrant middle layer, and an ultra-clear outer layer.
The large curved curtain wall provides striking transparency, making the interior spacious and inviting. The colorful middle glass shifts hues depending on lighting, enriching the visual experience with dynamic light and shadow. The building’s top retains its original shape, clad in sleek white aluminum panels.
Design Analysis
Facade Materials
STEP 3
Refined and Technological
Tone, Line, and Texture
While architecture can often feel imposing, this design blends visual and lighting elements to enrich the spatial experience, creating a light, transparent, and artistic atmosphere. The showroom features a lightweight design that keeps the focus on the displayed vehicles within a simple, understated environment.
The interior adopts a predominantly white palette, accented by clean, pure lines and high-end materials. Transparent glass curtain walls combine with warm wooden details to highlight a sophisticated blend of refinement and technology.
Wuhan, also known as Jiangcheng, inspires many design elements throughout the architecture. In the expansive, bright exhibition halls, the ceiling features luminous light films that ripple like water.
The silver-gray spiral staircase curves naturally like a sculpture, adding strong visual impact and an artistic touch to the space.
Sectional View
The facade adapts to the building’s internal functions, creating varying visual effects throughout the interior.
STEP 4
Gathering Diverse Spaces
Building Emotional Connections
Blending technological excellence with craftsmanship and warmth.
The center spans five floors and covers 6,550 square meters, hosting various functional zones including brand display, vehicle model exhibition, technology showcases, and user co-creation areas. The design is based on a fan-shaped layout, with each function closely linked to this shape. Digital technology throughout these zones offers engaging experiences.
By understanding the key interactions between users and the brand, emotional and spiritual elements are infused into functional spaces to express a poetic connection, evoking anticipation, ceremony, and lasting memories for every visitor.
User Co-Creation Zone
Located on the first-floor mezzanine, the user co-creation zone regularly hosts technology salons and a main co-creation art gallery. These activities immerse visitors in the excitement of technology and the joys of life. The oval-shaped front desk and ceiling design reflect BYD’s corporate logo, while the layered, undulating curved steps on either side incorporate regional Han water elements, adding dynamic vitality to the space.
The background wall’s logo area is recessed to create visual emphasis, with smooth, curved edges and unique detailing that enhance the spatial effect.
Brand Display Area
This area allows visitors to explore BYD’s corporate story and brand vision. Reflecting the theme of “technology, green, tomorrow,” it uses wood to add vitality, greenery to create openness, and vibrant colors to enliven the space. This design contrasts with the simplicity of the showroom to create a more intimate and welcoming environment.
Technology Exhibition Area
The technology display zone highlights advanced craftsmanship and innovative textures. A large “patent wall” prominently showcases BYD’s leading technological achievements, emphasizing the pursuit of ultimate quality.
Conclusion
The Wuhan BYD Brand Experience Center seamlessly integrates local geography and brand culture, delivering a comprehensive, high-quality design that spans architectural renovation to interior spaces. Inspired by the Jiangcheng River, the building’s curved form conveys a sense of dynamism, combining cutting-edge technology with a clean, modern aesthetic. This creates a meaningful cultural bond between BYD and the city of Wuhan.
Project Information
Project Name: Wuhan BYD Brand Experience Center
Location: No. 696 Jiefang Avenue, Jianghan District, Wuhan City, Hubei Province
Project Owner: Wuhan BYD Full Brand Automobile Sales Co., Ltd.
Building Area: 6,814.34 square meters
Integrated Design: Architecture, Interior, and Landscape Execution
Chief Architect: Li Jie
Design Director: Yin Chunmei
Design Team: Zhou Chong, Sang Yujie, Xu Jie, Li Zhe, Wang Yingjia, Lv Yiling
Construction Drawing Design: Wuhan Times Urban Architecture Design Co., Ltd.
Design Period: July 2022
Completion Date: May 2023
Project Photography: Zhao Yilong and Wu Qi
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