ARCHIHOPE has recently completed the impressive BMW Foshan Baochuang Center, located in Chancheng District, Foshan. This architectural project spans over 7,865 square meters of land, consisting of two separate buildings with different functional requirements. With a focus on sustainability and human-centered design, the BMW Green Star BEACON project and LEED BD+C gold certification aims to create a multifunctional showroom that seamlessly integrates social contact and office space. Learn more about this innovative project and its design philosophy.
The Lingnan region, known for its southern climate, requires effective measures to combat the intense heat. ARCHIHOPE, from the very beginning of the design process, has prioritized sustainable architecture as the central focus. Taking inspiration from the unique architectural style of Lingnan, known as Qilou, the design incorporates local buildings’ adaptation to the climate, specifically addressing shading, ventilation, and heat dissipation to combat high temperatures and the urban heat island effect.
To enhance the natural airflow, various ventilation and heat dissipation techniques such as skywells, cooling alleys, open floors, secluded alleys, and breathing walls are strategically utilized both inside and outside the entire building. A corridor connects the horizontal traffic flow between two buildings and extends as an overhang on the curtain wall, creating a multifunctional building form that integrates an elevated corridor, showcase, and sunshade shed. The traditional sunshade corridor has evolved into a new facade system for the building.
In addition to prioritizing shading efficiency, the design also explores an architectural form that integrates shading and architecture to respond to the subtropical climate. The concept of an inseparable volume, formed by the surrounding corridor and buildings on two parcels of land, is based on this consideration. As a result, the main facade of the building is created through the interplay and overlapping of massing, resembling two C-shaped structures fused together, seamlessly integrating multiple functional areas.
The arcade building, featuring a cantilever structure achieved by setting back the curtain wall on the first floor, provides a conducive environment with smooth airflow and excellent shading to minimize glare. This design approach prevents interior spaces from overheating and offers operators and pedestrians interactive spaces shielded from excessive sunlight, heat, wind, and rain within the curtain wall.
The external facade of the cantilevered area above the “arcade” draws inspiration from spider webs found in nature. It combines lattice screens and metal mesh to create a shading effect that allows daylight to filter into the interior without completely obstructing it. This design also creates a spacious terrace on the second floor, providing guests with ample outdoor activity space while ensuring sufficient lighting and ventilation.
In the southeast vehicle reception area, the facade of the “arcade” is designed with perforated aluminum plates. This design choice aims to minimize the heat gain caused by sunlight, achieving self-shading and enhancing the overall customer experience.
To prioritize sustainable design, a range of strategies have been implemented. These strategies encompass various aspects, including the thermal performance of the building’s enclosure structure, self-shading systems, facilities for bicycles, changing rooms, and showers, as well as fresh air monitoring systems. Additionally, efficient cooling and heating source systems, building energy metering for lighting, and indoor intelligent lighting control systems have been incorporated. The landscape features efficient water-saving irrigation, and measures have been taken to prevent and control construction pollution. Furthermore, detachable partitions and modular workstations have been utilized in most indoor exhibition and office areas, significantly reducing energy consumption and enhancing the building’s sustainability.
The fundamental principle of the moving line design within the building is to achieve seamless integration between people and vehicles, thereby fostering a wide array of activities and functions while enabling smooth and engaging movement for both. Individuals have the ability to drive their vehicles to any floor within the building, including interior and exterior spaces, as well as the rooftop.
The building features entrances and exits on all sides, with a layout that encompasses exhibition spaces, offices, and parking facilities across three floors to the south, complemented by workshops to the north. The southern section accommodates car showrooms and a portion of customer service areas and offices on the first floor, while the second floor combines customer relaxation zones, interactive spaces, dining establishments, and office facilities. The third floor primarily houses office spaces and parking facilities. A corridor connects the north and south sections, with maintenance workshops present on all three floors to the north. Additionally, a runway situated behind the workshops allows vehicles to directly access the rooftop.
ARCHIHOPE aims to create a welcoming and cozy atmosphere in the interior design, promoting a sense of relaxation throughout the space. The main objective of their design is to establish an open space resembling an art exhibition hall, offering visitors a clear and unrestricted visual experience that enhances their overall sense of relaxation.
The design concept for the exhibition areas on the first floor revolves around pixel modularity. Enlarged pixels are arranged in various shapes, blending and contrasting with the exhibition vehicles. This is further accentuated by dynamic annular colored light film spanning across the ceiling, creating a youthful and entertaining ambiance that combines different models and colors.
The atrium is transformed into a sunken coffee area, forming a circular hollow space that serves as the central focal point of the entire building. Natural sunlight streams in through the light well above, providing a delightful setting for enjoying coffee with friends. Additionally, the design of the coffee service counter follows the concept of pixel modularity, adding a youthful and vibrant touch. The circular lane in the atrium, which extends from the first floor to the second floor, not only enhances natural lighting but also facilitates the circulation of fresh air from the outside, promoting indoor air convection and cooling. This effectively improves the microclimate within the building environment.
The incorporation of indoor and outdoor greenery adopts landscape design techniques inspired by golf courses. The building’s surroundings feature micro-topography with curved paths, creating a harmonious blend of nature and architecture. The selection of plants for curtain walls and windowsills primarily consists of seedlings cultivated in flower boxes using soil culture techniques.
The initial objective of ARCHIHOPE’s design is to provide a joyful working environment and a relaxing living space for the building’s occupants, ultimately enhancing their overall quality of life.