Biomedical Headquarters
The new headquarters of a major biomedical company is being developed on the site of PKU Bio City, a biotechnology center located in the immediate vicinity of the Peking University. The new build will combine research, development, and production under one roof in a clear, abstract design employing a double infinity loop.
On the elongated site, a continuous roofscape connects the centrally positioned new build with six other new and two existing buildings in an endless loop to form a coherent complex. The existing production buildings merge into the large form of the ensemble in an unobtrusive manner. Bridges connect all buildings on the second floor.
The northern sections of the two infinity loops accommodate a biomedical research center. On the opposing side, the southern loops house the incubator space dedicated to innovation and development. The loops intersect in the middle of the site to form the complex’s gravitational center, which acts as an interface between research and development to create synergies and encourage the people who work here to interact with each other.
The design of the new headquarters essentially relies on the interplay between its abstract form and its playfully composed façade. Alternating between transparent and opaque surfaces, mineral wall panels and multi-story glazed openings envelop the floating, dynamic shapes of the buildings.
Towards the site perimeter, a densely wooded park with natural lakes surrounds the new headquarters. Science and nature intertwine to create a welcoming place open to employees and visitors alike. Numerous passageways connecting the buildings and spacious courtyards instill a permeable, vibrant campus-like atmosphere. The ground level accommodates the headquarters’ public areas, which include a hotel, restaurants, exhibition spaces, and a conference area. Two separate, light-filled atria located in the center of the complex enable visitors to access the public areas while employees can use this route to proceed to their offices and laboratories.
The peaceful, naturalistic campus appeal continues on the roofscape. Planted terraces provide spaces for recreation, while sports areas are used for exercise and regeneration. Photovoltaic panels generate electricity on-site. Preserving the existing buildings brings a double benefit: In addition to the environmental factor of conserving resources, this approach results in an economic advantage because tried-and-tested production processes are retained.
The new corporate headquarters deliberately departs from traditional industrial architecture. Instead, it establishes a workplace setting with an uplifting, museum-like appeal that instills a sense of belonging while reinforcing the ambitions of the company and its employees and creating an environment that fosters creativity and innovation.
