Add another landmark building to the west coast of Shanghai.
On September 4th, the Alibaba Shanghai campus located in Xuhui Binjiang was officially opened and put into use. Alibaba's Taobao, Tmall, Alibaba Cloud and other businesses located in Shanghai have achieved centralized office operations here.
It is understood that the park took five years from acquiring land in 2019 to being completed in 2024. The total construction area of the project is 64488.1 square meters, with a height of 56.3 meters. It has 11 floors above ground and 3 floors underground, and is a high-rise commercial office complex.
The entire building, inspired by the concept of 'clouds', features a large number of elevated overhangs and partially recessed roof designs, allowing for a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery on both sides of the Pujiang River. At the same time, transparency promotes borderless visual communication and physical connections between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing people to glimpse the world of Alibaba.
The completed Alibaba Shanghai campus resembles a transparent box with three hollowed out sides. Multiple floors of the "box" are equipped with "rooftop gardens" and aerial terraces, planted with large areas of green plants.
We set key indicators for environmental protection, low energy consumption, and good visibility, and then 'fed' a large amount of data to AI, such as the lighting and temperature of this area throughout the year. The algorithm tried countless possibilities based on these goals, iteratively iterated the model, and finally formed this building. It maximizes the use of natural lighting, ventilation, etc., achieving warm winters and cool summers, low-carbon and environmental protection. Liu Fei, Vice President and President of General Affairs Department of Alibaba Group, introduced that in order to achieve low-carbon and environmental protection goals, Alibaba Shanghai Park innovatively introduced AI algorithms, which is a low-carbon park "calculated" by AI.
In addition to using AI algorithms in the design phase, we have also introduced a smart office system in the park to scientifically regulate energy consumption through the 'carbon reduction brain'. We also encourage students to engage in low-carbon behavior. Through the smart office system, students can scan codes to turn on and off lights, air conditioning, etc. with just one click, and can also apply for low-carbon behaviors such as carpooling, cardboard recycling, and climbing stairs, "Liu Fei explained.
The Alibaba Shanghai campus was designed by Foster+Partners, a British architectural firm. The introduction of AI "genetic algorithm" in the building to calculate the optimal volume is regarded as the "iconic building of Alibaba Group", and this technology is also the first application in the field of architecture.
According to the data, Foster+Partners, a British architectural firm, has designed and built Apple's new headquarters, as well as headquarters buildings for DJI and CITIC in China.
The coastal areas of Xuhui Binjiang are all masterpieces. When we first chose a design company, we screened proposals from top international institutions and selected three. In the end, Foster+Partners' proposal won, "said Li Mang, Vice President of General Affairs at Alibaba Holding Group." We hope to leave a century old work in Xuhui Binjiang for Shanghai, just like the Bund in Huangpu. Alibaba can also leave a century old boutique work in Shanghai
Luke Fox, head of Foster+Partners studio, said, "This park incorporates Alibaba's innovation, collaboration, and open culture in its design, which is also reflected in the modular form of the building, which supports and enhances teamwork. Health and well-being are the cornerstones of the design, and the park has vast green outdoor terraces where employees can enjoy the scenery of the Huangpu River and Pudong Central Business District. Our design aims to create a vibrant workplace and a climate adaptive public environment, encouraging the public to enter and experience the internal space of the building. Therefore, the construction of the park has a public space that promotes connection with the outside world
In fact, the park utilizes AI algorithms to analyze climate data, promote natural lighting and ventilation, and reduce energy consumption; The rooftop garden has implemented a rainwater harvesting system based on the concept of "sponge city"; In order to bring employees closer to nature, we have integrated greenery into every floor by setting up sky gardens and observation platforms, creating a green office environment that remains evergreen throughout the year. Due to innovative practices in ESG, Alibaba's Shanghai campus has obtained Leed Gold certification.
This time, Alibaba Shanghai Park has specially built public spaces that are open to the public. The atrium and sunken courtyard on the first floor of the park will be open to citizens as public activity spaces. The visitor center and some terrace areas are open to Alibaba's relatives and friends, providing a leisurely and active place for them and surrounding residents.