Together with China-based architecture firm gad, we have won the international competition to design the Hangzhou Science and Technology Innovation Central Business District (CBD) in Hangzhou, the capital of China’s Zhejiang province. The master plan envisions a dynamic regional hub that integrates advanced transit connections with the characteristic landscape of the Jiangnan region, creating a flexible framework to foster creativity and support the growth of technology industries.

Spanning 3.7 square kilometers, the CBD is a central component of the Hangzhou West Science and Technology Innovation Corridor. The design capitalizes on the West Station hub’s transportation network—including rail and expressway connections—to enhance regional and national accessibility. As a cornerstone of Hangzhou’s urban strategy, the CBD aims to optimize the city’s layout and establish it as a global tech hub.

“In cities, the one constant is change, and nowhere is this more evident than in Hangzhou, where tradition balances with modernity,” says SOM Partner Doug Voigt. “We are now proud to unveil a vision for a new district where regional ecology, wellness, and sustainability are woven into the city’s evolving economy.”

The SOM and gad proposal envisions the CBD as a vibrant, interconnected district that combines Jiangnan’s local landscape with a leading science and technology innovation center. At its heart is a central green axis that extends from a main park through surrounding blocks, connecting eight U-shaped clusters tailored to various stages of business growth. This layout encourages public engagement, visual appeal, and adaptability to future technological advancements.

Positioned around Hangzhou West Railway Station, the plan extends north and south to form a cohesive urban axis. The integrated transportation network—comprising rail lines, major roads, and residential streets—enhances city-wide connectivity, reduces commuting times, and boosts urban accessibility and competitiveness.

To support the evolving needs of innovative industries, the design incorporates flexible industrial clusters and adaptable architectural configurations that foster shared and interactive spaces. Each community centers around a U-shaped layout, integrating the city park to strengthen connections between urban, community, and individual spaces.

The design emphasizes the integration of natural ecosystems with urban environments, focusing on ecological sustainability and promoting healthy lifestyles. The result is a distinctive CBD that blends Jiangnan’s charm with modern amenities, offering a balanced environment for work and leisure.

Organized into five thematic groups—comprehensive services, future trends, fashion and health, high-quality production, and unicorn startups—the design fosters industry-academia collaboration and drives innovation. Extensive green space, covering nearly 1.2 square kilometers (32 percent of the core area), integrates ecological features with urban life, enhancing the quality of life with jogging trails, outdoor sports facilities, and cultural venues.

The Hangzhou Science and Technology Innovation CBD is set to play a crucial role in the city’s development as part of Hangzhou’s new “world-class city axis,” a strategic initiative designed to elevate Hangzhou’s West Science and Technology Innovation Center to the level of other major city hubs, driving regional integration and high-quality growth.

The master plan will soon be displayed for public feedback, marking the next step in realizing Hangzhou’s goal of becoming a leading global innovation center.