Architecture Review

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, image courtesy of Aedas

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, image courtesy of Aedas

International architectural firm Aedas has designed an Administration & Information Centrefor Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University located in Suzhou Industrial Park, China. This is the Architecture Award winning project awarded by the Asia Pacific Commercial Property Awards 2009. With the environmental concern, the void on facade is not only creating the impressive architectural perspective but also inviting the summer wind flowing through the building.

+ Project description courtesy of Aedas

Being part of the Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University new campus, Aedas project Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University Administration & Information Centre has been honoured by the Architecture Award of the Asia Pacific Commercial Property Awards 2009. The project is designed by Andy Wen, Design Director of China.

The Administration & Information Centre is situated in a beautiful environment inside Suzhou Industrial Park, where there is a harmonious coexistence of the city’s rich cultural traditions and its rapid economic development with convenient traffic. It has a complicated program consisting of administration centre, learning and resources centre, training centre and student activities centre.

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, image courtesy of Aedas

All of the programs are connected by the voids inside the building following the concept of Taihu stone, the ornamental stone used for decorating traditional Chinese gardens. Eroded over time by wind and water this limestone is found on dozens of islands and along miles of shoreline surrounding the Taihu lake located on the west side of the city of Suzhou.

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, image courtesy of Aedas

The stone is found in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes and was appreciated by the Chinese scholars during the ancient time. As such the voids have become the functional spaces which allow the building to interact with the surrounding environment and become a vessel which attracts people to go inside.

The Administration & Information Centre is adjacent to the two main promenade axes in the campus. The laboratories are located on the east side and the classroom building on the north. It will be a dynamic gathering space in the future.

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, zoning diagram courtesy of Aedas

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, East elevation + North elevation courtesy of Aedas

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, West elevation + South elevation courtesy of Aedas

+ Project credits / data

Project: Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University Administration & Information Centre
Location: Suzhou, China
Architect: Aedas
Director in charge: Andy Wen, Design Director of China

+ About Aedas

Aedas creates the best architectural design solutions from our 40 offices around the globe. We provide international expertise with innate knowledge and understanding of local cultures. Our designers are committed to contribute and lead in the societies we design for. We have a holistic approach to sustainability which shows our care not only for the built environment but also for the people we work with and the societies we live and work within.

Aedas global network provides consultancy services in architecture, interior design, masterplanning, landscape, urban design and building consultancy in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. Our commitment and tenacity to improve the natural and built environment are reflected in our designs for all building types including civic, education, health, transport, commercial, residential and industrial buildings.