The Alibaba Xixi Campus, a 26-hectare urban landscape, redefines ecological integration within a dense urban campus environment. This ambitious project, comparable in scale to London’s Hyde Park, showcases the power of the BioHabiNet concept, a strategic framework that weaves biodiversity, resilience, and human experience into a cohesive whole.
At the heart of BioHabiNet lies a multi-layered, interconnected ecological system. This system is meticulously constructed, guided by the principles of BIO (biophilic ecosystems), HABI (diverse habitats), and NET (interconnected networks). This approach underscores a profound understanding of ecological science, translated into practical solutions for a high-density setting. For instance, the campus’s stormwater management, informed by detailed analysis, features strategically placed bio-swales and a central lake, demonstrating a data-driven approach to water conservation.
A particularly innovative aspect is the creation of a thriving ecosystem atop a multi-level podium carpark. This feat of urban landscape design was achieved through smart engineering, optimized soil depths, and adaptable planting strategies, resulting in a biodiverse habitat where none previously existed. Further enhancing sustainability, the campus wide “Carbon Reducing Brain,” an AI-driven system, optimizes energy consumption, while “Halo Canopies,” with their solar reflective surfaces and integrated thermal mass, regulate microclimates. The campus’s pathways, inspired by natural systems like river flows and mycelium networks, offer an organic and engaging experience.
Given the campus’s scale and complexity, close collaboration with Alibaba was crucial. A key focus was creating a humanistic environment for 30,000 employees. This involved extensive user engagement, leading to the development of diverse spaces for work, relaxation, and interaction. Outdoor meeting rooms, hanging gardens, and a community urban farm foster a sense of community and well-being. The design prioritizes movement, exploration, and collaboration, promoting a healthy and vibrant workplace.
ASPECT Studios’ leadership is evident in their advocacy for a new paradigm of urban ecology. The campus functions as a living, breathing system, setting a precedent for urban resilience and biodiversity. The concept of “Choreographed Seasonality” adds another layer of sophistication, ensuring the landscape remains dynamic and responsive to seasonal changes.
The BioHabiNet concept has yielded tangible results. A webbed network of bio-swales and stormwater channels effectively captures and recycles rainwater, while the central lake acts as a reservoir and irrigation source. Native and adaptive plant species have significantly increased biodiversity, attracting diverse wildlife, including crane birds, damselflies, frogs, and finches. This commitment to ecological sustainability is further demonstrated by the support provided to local pollinators.
The campus offers a rich tapestry of experiences through explorative paths, biophilic gardens, and a community urban farm, enhancing the well-being of the Alibaba community. Amphitheatres and the sky loop encourage social interaction, while technology enhances mobility and ease of movement. Fitness and recreational facilities, including a FIFA-certified soccer field and a running track, underscore the focus on employee health.
The strategic integration of water management, seasonal planting, and diverse habitats has created a dynamic and resilient ecosystem. The “Halo Canopies” effectively regulate microclimates, enhancing outdoor comfort, while “Choreographed Seasonality” provides an immersive experience of nature’s cycles. Habitat connectivity, linking to the broader Hangzhou area, demonstrates a strategic ecological vision. Measurable increases in biodiversity, evidenced by diverse wildlife, showcase the success of BioHabiNet. The innovative stormwater management system has reduced flood risks and replenished groundwater. AI and smart technologies optimize energy use, while hanging gardens offer unique experiences to bring users closer to nature. The sky loop provides a novel perspective on the landscape, further enhancing the user experience.
Speaking of the success of the project, Chaozhong Wang of the Alibaba Group said:”With respect for Alibaba’s corporate culture at its core, taking into account the natural ecological characteristics of Hangzhou’s region, ASPECT’s team drew inspiration from the Xixi Wetland, the city’s calling card, and integrated its unique ecological texture into the design scheme. Throughout this collaboration, we have been deeply impressed by the passion and professionalism of the ASPECT team. This design not only enhances the ecological value of the park, but also sets a new benchmark for future urban development.”
• All landscape architecture offices involved in the design of landscape:
ASPECT Studios
• All architecture offices involved in the design:
Nihon Sekkei (surrounding campus buildings)
Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Co., Ltd.,
• Other credits:
Hangzhou Landscape Architecture Design Institute Co., Lt
