Hangzhou’s New Gateway Transit-Oriented Development

Hangzhou, the historical capital of six Chinese dynasties, is now at the forefront of high-tech advancement as it transforms into a global center for technology and research. Perennial Hangzhou Cloud Gate Center is located at the center of Hangzhou West’s Science and Technology Innovation Corridor, close to several prominent Liangzhu heritage sites. The development is adjacent to the Hangzhou West high-speed railway (HSR) station and the surrounding Innovation Center, together serving as the gateway and engine driving a new wave of growth, and the city’s westward expansion. 

Having also completed key projects within Hangzhou’s broader Science and Technology Innovation District–including architecture and planning for the station’s adjacent northern parcel, and planning for the Digital & Intelligent Innovation Valley Central Axis–SOM is the master planner of this new 7-million-square-foot transit-oriented development, as well as the architect for several of its individual components. The master plan features two towers, podium retail, and a spacious public plaza designed by SOM, along with the Cloud Gate building and apartment towers, designed by CCDI and DP Architects, respectively. 

Honoring Local Liangzhu Heritage

SOM’s design draws from Hangzhou’s rich history, referencing its natural landscapes and cultural heritage. At the scale of the master plan, a grand central plaza connects to a network of greenery and canals, marking the heart of this integrated development. 

With architecture inspired by the traditional landscapes of classical Chinese gardens, a series of retail atriums, terraced greenery and accessible rooftop walkways provide an immersive and intuitive visitor experience. Carefully selected finishes, including terracotta tiling in the interior lobbies, reflect Hangzhou’s legacy in craftsmanship. 

Indoor-Outdoor Integrated TOD Experience

On each side of the plaza, the five-story podium hosts dynamic amenities, including retail, dining, sports, wellness and conference facilities, complementing the surrounding towers. A seamless multi-level design separates vehicles from pedestrians, creating a fully walkable plaza and podium, with vehicles routed underground. Pedestrians have direct access to Hangzhou West HSR station, Cloud Gate, and the office tower at multiple elevations. Exterior escalators on both sides of the plaza connect the ground level to the podium rooftops, while carefully positioned sunken plazas provide access to underground retail. A series of skylights and warm overhead lighting at the office towers’ double-height entries create a bright and welcoming arrival experience for guests.

Skyline Signature

SOM designed the two tallest towers on the South parcel: Tower A, at a height of 320 meters, features office space, a five-star hotel, and an observation deck; Tower B, at 300 meters, houses offices, a four-star hotel, and apartments. Tower A is designed to be a feature on the skyline, with a distinctive ocular opening which frames and reflects changing light conditions throughout the day. 

This dramatic form creates the space for an outdoor public observation deck, the highest of its kind in Hangzhou, which will also serve as an events venue, offering stunning 360-degree views. Rising over the new West station and its evolving neighborhood, both towers will stand as icons of this part of the city.

Sustainable Design

In addition to meeting the Two-Star grade under China’s green building standards, the project’s design exemplifies sustainability considerations with strategies at various scales. As a transit-oriented development, the master plan prioritizes walkability and wellness by seamlessly integrating a high speed railway station with retail and regional greenery; at the architectural scale, the tower design features facades with metal fins which minimize direct sunlight and indoor heat absorption. These fins also help to reflect sunlight deep into the tenant areas, creating a bright indoor experience. Additionally, the towers’ metal mullions incorporate ventilators that bring in fresh air, offering a unified alternative to operable windows while preserving the overall facade expression.