Shanghai Zhangpu civic center, designed by Kalarch Design Group, is an administration and government complex organized like a city and structured in three concepts, government, business and public services. The overall circular layout is based on the shape of local traditional jade ware, which symbolizes peace and harmony. The open layout with a central courtyard also expresses their hope for a more modern and friendly government. More images and architects’ description after the break.
Many attempts are made for an environmentally friendly building, such as the wind turbines and solar panels installed on top the office building.
The complex is divided in two areas, north building for government and citizen services, and east building for particular offices, both buildings are connected for a corridor building that acts like bridge between the two areas creating interior plazas. North plaza is covered for a glass roof and is designed like main lobby for the citizen services area, otherwise east plaza is designed like an interior patio, no covered, creating an open space for the people.
Architects: Kalarch Design Group Location: Shanghai–Kunshan, China Architecture Project Team: Kang Qiu, Xavier Pages Capella Landscape Project Team: Zoe Zhaohui Wan Civil Engineer: SIAD (Suzhou) Structural Engineer: Zhang Zheng, SIAD (Suzhou) Client: Kunshan Municipal Investment Corp. Project Area: 83.125 m2 Project Year: 2009 Construction Year: 2011