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Aedas conceptualizes butterfly-shaped headquarters for DESAN

Connecting the prime public green axis of the town, overlooking the Smart gate to the north and landscape park to the south, the design for the new DESAN headquarters in the Binjiang IoT town, Hangzhou, China, was unveiled by Aedas.
The project embraces the multi-dimensional context and adopts the corporate spirit, emerging as a distinct commercial space that breaks away from conventional closed layouts. A synthesis of smart architecture and ecological landmarks, the design seeks to adapt to the surrounding landscape.
A U-shaped podium facing the green axis creates a landscaped courtyard that fosters a serene environment, connects to green spaces and encourages social gatherings. Symmetrical L-shaped towers are strategically positioned in the northeastern part of the plot, forming a distinct spatial experience with lush cascading terraces.
The building form seeks inspiration from flapping butterflies, embodying nature, culture and technology in one. The two towers tilt inwards towards the courtyard, resembling butterfly wings, while horizontally positioned fins soften the corners and represent flying movement.
Glass panels and metal elements create a striking façade where colour variation on the surfaces under various light conditions further highlights its resemblance to wings. In the courtyard, glass louvres let in natural light and nurture a sense of connection with the outdoors. Fluid multi-levelled podiums create a balanced massing while increasing porosity, resulting in an efficient mixed-use building.