The technology companies The Asian giant's offices share similar architectural characteristics, which define the corporate image of this thriving sector. Without a doubt, Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou, among other major cities, are home to the largest number of offices. ultramodern in the world.

In this post we discover some of the common characteristics in the architecture and interior design of these offices. We thus begin a series of reports in which we will reveal the office typologies from different parts of the world (Arab countries, Scandinavia, South America, etc.). There's no doubt that the country or region where they are based imbues each project with its own unique characteristics.

The offices of China's big tech companies are much more than just workplaces: they function as real Innovation centers, business ecosystems, and symbols of the country's technological powerThese headquarters are usually located in the so-called technological cities or in innovation-focused districts, which the Chinese government has actively promoted over the past two decades.

These large technological cities are conceived as a conglomeration of skyscrapers, competing to excel in height, design, and innovation.

Major architectural projects

Most Chinese technology companies have their headquarters located in a own building, that works like Headquarters of the company. Hence the architectural project itself is monumental, commensurate with the importance of the company. Glass buildings, composed of structures that represent an absolutely extraordinary and impressive engineering design.

As an example (there are many more), we have chosen these three images of the headquarter from TP-Link, Technology company that manufactures a wide range of networking and smart home products, including routers, Wi-Fi systems, switches, adapters, IP cameras, and various smart devices.

The building of 64 m², has been designed by the renowned international studio KPF, and has become a symbol of Shenzhen's global reputation for technological innovation and research.

The shape of the building is optimized to provide a workspace of high performance to all users. A lateral core and perimeter columns allow for large expanses of flexible, column-free space, as well as a full-height central atrium. The latter is the building's distinctive element, dividing the workplace into two halves connected by bridges spanning the central void. curved balconies extending into the atrium house collaboration areas with spaces for flexible work, Comfortable seating and high tables, while desk work areas and computer lab facilities are located on either side of the floor. This variety of spaces reinforces the culture of dynamic collaboration, creativity and innovation of TP-Link.

Photos: Virgile Bertrand

A common feature in virtually all Chinese offices is the need to create a monumental effect from the entrance, even in medium-sized offices. The concept of spacious, clear and luxurious entrance hall, which works as an excellent cover letter for the company.

The office lobby Liando U Valley in Shanghai, It embodies this concept of a “powerful entrance,” with a harmonious blend of elegance, symmetry, fluidity, technological sophistication, and material richness.

El black granite The polished floor is the basis of this elongated floor plan, whose wall, clad in grey granite, is covered with a white lacquer border that leads into a hallway and adapts to the shape of the staircase.

Integrated technology

The offices of the big Chinese tech companies are symbols of the country's technological boom and authentic laboratories of the futureMore than just workspaces, they are nodes within complex networks of urban innovation, designed to boost China's global competitiveness in fields such as artificial intelligence, telecommunications, e-commerce, and semiconductors.

Hence, they introduce this technology into the aesthetics and functioning of the offices themselves; that is, there is a kind of technological metalanguage where the technology they manufacture is applied to their own internal uses. For example, large LED screens in plasma manufacturing companies, or “robot employees” in robotics companies.

Although it depends on the activity, Chinese companies tend to Minimalism in spaces sober, clean and clear. The spaces have very few decorative elements, and those that do exist are carefully chosen, as most of them refer to traditional Chinese culture.

Establish a visual order It is of utmost importance in these work spaces that have hundreds, or even thousands of workers. ordering and distribution The workstations, meeting, leisure and training areas are carefully designed to facilitate, without hindering, the movement and interaction of workers.

After analyzing dozens of Chinese technology offices, it can be inferred that there is a certain predilection for Light colors (white or pearly grey), often contrasted with the black. Silver metallics and stone materials are also common, which add a certain coldness to the technology, as does the Clear glass on vertical walls. In contrast, the use of wood, which relieves the heaviness of metal and stone, and forms them curves on ceilings, walls and furniture, which softens the rigidity of the prevailing minimalism.

In recent years, large Chinese technology companies have incorporated the sustainability as the central axis in the design, construction, and operation of its offices. One of the fundamental pillars of these headquarters is the energy savingsMany offices have automated LED lighting systems that adjust to natural light and the number of people in each room, significantly reducing electricity consumption. In addition, they are used solar panels and photovoltaic energy systems on the roofs and facades to cover part of the building's electrical demand. The integration of smart grids It allows you to manage the flow of energy in real time, optimizing the use of resources according to current needs and reducing waste.

Another highlight is the use of recycled and sustainable materials in construction and furnishings. Many of these offices use recycled steel, certified wood, and low-environmental-impact composite materials. Interior surfaces are often made from recyclable or biodegradable materials, and the use of products containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is avoided, thus improving indoor air quality.

La smart air conditioning is another key innovation. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems use temperature, humidity, and CO₂ sensors to automatically adjust indoor conditions, ensuring thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption. They are also used facades with state-of-the-art thermal insulation and solar control windows to maintain optimal temperatures year-round.

Finally, the ceilings and walls biophilic help improve air quality and reduce the urban heat island effect, while the systems of rainwater collection and reuse allow the supply of sanitary facilities and green areas. Many companies also promote the sustainable mobility, installing electric vehicle charging stations, bicycle parking, and promoting public transportation among its employees.

Presence of traditional elements

Even in the most ultra-modern and futuristic offices, the rich Chinese tradition is present in one form or another. It is not easy to detach or ignore thousands of years of artisanal legacy in the architecture and oriental decorative arts. For this reason, we find many winks spread throughout different areas of the offices: from small tea rooms, with all its paraphernalia of teapots, even scroll screens, interior patios, furniture traditional or statues of famous samurai warriors.

These small tributes to Chinese culture show that, although the technology advance to unsuspected scenarios, it is necessary to keep in mind the ancient traditions so as not to lose context or forget the origin of an ancient people.

Photos: OfficeSnapShot