Zaha Hadid Architects has revealed their almost completed exhibition and conference center within Chengdu’s Unicorn Island. It will be the first building on the 67-hectare mixed-use master plan. The name of the project comes from the term “unicorn companies”, which refers to start-ups valued at over a billion US dollars. ZHA’s “unicorn island” will be a hub for the development of start-ups, generating living and working environments for 70 000 researchers, office staff, residents and visitors.
In the south of the city, the Tianfu new area, is being developed as an ecologically sustainable civic, business and residential center for China’s technology and research sectors. As part of it, Unicorn Island’s parkland design incorporates green civic spaces, water conservation, and enhanced connectivity to create its living and working environments.
The masterplan is arranged in a radial array, with a plaza and metro station at the center, allowing the entire island to be reached on bike or foot. The buildings will be constructed in ‘clusters’ with different heights and compositions. Thanks to innovations in urban farming technologies, residents, workers and visitors will be provided with fresh, locally-grown produce.
Render by MIR
https://www.designboom.com/architecture/zaha-hadid-architects-unicorn-island-chengdu-china-01-15-2020/