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Atkins design new HQ for Chinese engineering firm
This 24-level headquarters building, designed by Atkins Shanghai, creates an energy efficient prototype for mid-rise buildings in China. The building contains office space plus exhibition, training and recreational spaces for the employees. The building will form part of one side of a new urban plaza in Chongqing.
Sustainable design was the key to the organisation of the three dimensional form and internal spaces. It is the organisation of the building volume and envelope that creates its sustainable design credentials, as much as mechanical and façade systems. In the office areas floor widths are restricted to less than 12m width to adequate day-lighting. Floor heights are increased to 4.2m, higher than for a standard office building while all the service and lift cores are located at the outer edges of the block. This allows the typical office space to have windows on both sides to increase light and natural ventilation. The façade is a highly insulated envelope; a glazed (VDF) ventilated double façade and an insulated zinc clad wall to reduce energy loss and consumption.
The idea of creating a sustainable building is taken in its wider context to address some of the health and social issues of workspace in the 21st century. Sports, dining and recreational areas are included within the main building.
Circulation systems around the central atrium space are designed to encourage interaction and meeting between staff. Deeply planted roof gardens are formed as key parts of the design, not only as part of the insulation of the building, but as an additional shared recreational area for all the staff.
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