The architectural landscape of Hangzhou’s Future Tech City has been forever altered by the striking new Hangzhou Prism, designed by OMA. Rising 106.5 meters, this daringly conceptual mixed-use structure redefines urban form. Breaking ground in 2019 under the leadership of Chris van Duijn and architect Michael Hadjistyllis, the Prism was commissioned by Xinhu Real Estate Group.
A revolutionary design concept
The Prism’s innovative architecture deviates from typical building narratives. Instead of following the conventional multi-tower residential structure, OMA envisioned a “three-dimensional village” merging apartments, offices, and retail into a unified whole. This approach caters to young professionals and visitors, offering a dynamic living environment.
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Form and function: a transformative silhouette
The building’s distinctive shape is marked by its angular, asymmetric silhouette. It features dramatic oblique cuts, creating terraced lofts with panoramic city views. Cubic balconies add texture, ensuring a fresh perspective from each angle, giving the impression of a structure perpetually in flux.
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At street level, a public atrium integrated with the adjacent park encourages community interaction and activity. This intentional public accessibility is a thoughtful contrast to the inward focus seen in many high-rises.
Integrating diverse uses
The Prism accommodates a diverse range of functions within its tapered volume: a 20,000-square-meter hotel, 10,000 square meters of residences, 5,000 square meters of office space, and 8,000 square meters of retail. This design effectively manages the building’s varied uses without overcrowding, ensuring natural synergy among them.
A symbol of innovation
Situated in a city with key players like Alibaba and NetEase, the Prism aligns with Hangzhou’s aspirations as a leading Asian tech corridor. Van Duijn emphasizes the Prism’s innovative ambition, showcasing that bold architectural moves can coexist harmoniously with public and commercial utility.
Source: yankodesign.com