SUZHOU DISTRICT PLANNING EXHIBITION HALL BDP ARCHITECTS

BDP has completed two civic projects in the Chinese city of Suzhou, which include Suzhou District Planning Exhibition Hall and Suzhou Tourist Centre.

Suzhou District Planning Exhibition Hall is a new exhibition facility for the ancient city of Suzhou which lies to the west of Shanghai.

A centrepiece to showcase the development of Suzhou, one of China’s top destinations, famous for its classical gardens and its temples.

The building sits on the edge of the central parkland area, with great views of the surrounding landscape and hills.

Suzhou District Planning Exhibition Hall is an 8000 sq m exhibition facility within the Suzhou Science and Technology Smart City.

The project is intended as a centrepiece within the Technology Park to showcase the past, present and future developments of Suzhou District.

It houses a 1000 sq m model of the new district, 3D viewing gallery, interactive displays, conference facilities and multi-purpose exhibition halls.

With a spectacular setting overlooking Taihu Lake, the Suzhou Tourist Centre consists of a banqueting, exhibition, conference space for up to 600 people, a centre for local design products and produce, three restaurants, VIP club and tourism centre.

Location: Suzhou, China

Architect: BDP architects

Area: 8,000 sq m

Year: 2013

Client: Suzhou Wuzhong Economic Development District Construction Department

LISHUI ZIJING TECHNOLOGY ENTERPRISE PARK BY BDP

Architectural firm BDP said construction work is expected to start in this days on the Lishui Zijing technology enterprise park located south of Nanjing in China. BDP's Shanghai studio submitted schematic design proposals to the Lishui County government in early October 2013.

The scheme forms part of a masterplan, which was also designed by BDP, and the first phase will feature 140,000 square metres of new commercial office space with supporting retail, civic and public realm spaces. BDP said the masterplan was conceived to respect the contours and context of the site and to integrate the existing network of canals and reservoirs into a new layout, which encourages links to the city and creates green corridors and permeability across the development.

The buildings within the masterplan have been designed as a family of elements that share a commonality of material and façade layering. Various feature buildings will act as markers within the scheme and identify entrances, punctuate views, and improve the character of the public realm.

BDP's design team in Shanghai is working with the local design institute in a monitoring role to deliver detail and construction design packages with specific focus on the envelopes and façades for the blocks. Construction will start with two buildings as part of a phased delivery and the first phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.