“This symbolizes both Alibaba’s outstanding digital presence in the cloud and the tech industry’s changing sky of innovation,” said SOM design partner Scott Duncan Dezeen.
The building will consist of interior and exterior workspaces surrounding a courtyard. Around the building, the conference rooms open onto open terraces that provide access to nature and views of the Huangpu River.
Communication stairs and bridges between rooms will help people working in different parts of the headquarters to communicate with each other.
There are sheltered seating areas and plants around the building, which the studio hopes will benefit the employees.
“Smart tech infrastructure and biophilic design elements will improve employee well-being, including natural ventilation, patios and green roofs,” the studio said.
Roof gardens will collect rainwater and smart systems will circulate fresh air, reducing the need for cooling. An artificial intelligence-controlled shading system will allow the temperature to be adjusted in response to the movement of the sun.
Source: Ferra