Located in Yuhang District of Hangzhou, Cainiao Headquarters consists of a 5-storey office building complemented with a plenitude of communal spaces. Aedas Global design principal Cary Lau and executive director Henry Chau have shaped the headquarters to a collaborative hub for Cainiao workers in Hangzhou.
Inspired by space station, the planning emphasises ‘circulation’ and ‘connectivity’ to reflect Cainiao’s corporate identity and belief. The main building is seamlessly linked by optimising the cores and elevations, and creates 4 distinctive internal courtyards connected by an atrium. A canopy corridor links all courtyards, offering all-weather access to all places starting from the entrance.
The entrance mimics the shape of a bird’s mouth to create a contemporary layered canopy. It echoes the design of visitor centre, adopting insulated low-E glass panels to bring sunlight into interiors and to minimise heat gain to create a people-centric work-recreate environment.
With full-height glass, workers can enjoy sunlight and landscape view during working time. Four open courtyards feature different functions, providing open communal spaces for company activities, F&B, recreational and wellness.