Redefining Industry: The BRICS Headquarters for Innovation

Project: GENERTEC BRICS Innovation Headquarters
Location: Xiamen, China
Client: Genertec International Holding Ltd.
Design and Project Architect: Aedas in joint venture with Zhongyuan (Xiamen) Engineering Research Design Institute
Gross Floor Area: 262,000 sq m
Completion Year: 2028
Design Director: Dr. Andy Wen, Global Design Principal; Zihuan Lin, Executive Director

Located in the heart of the financial centre in Xiamen, GENERTEC BRICS Innovation Headquarters stands a new symbol of innovation and collaboration. The project seamlessly integrates open interactive spaces with mixed-use functions within a highly constrained site. The design evokes rhythmic beauty of traditional brick residences, offering a new solution for balancing functionality and spatial efficiency in high-density urban development. More than just a headquarters, this development serves as a vibrant hub for interaction, encouraging global partnerships and setting a new benchmark for sustainable urban spaces.

The headquarters enjoys exceptional natural and urban advantages, offering stunning landscape resources and connecting directly to a major transportation network and central green axis. The existing roads divide the headquarters into two sessions with a high-rise complex planned within a 7,000 sq m plot on the east. The complex integrates office, hotel and a 20,000 sq m convention center. The western plot consists of R&D facilities, commercial spaces and apartments.

To create a vibrant complex that seamlessly blends nature and energy, the design maximises the spatial planning within the constrained site. On the eastern plot, the office and hotel are vertically arranged to form a 230.05m super high-rise complex. The hotel rooms are designed on the upper levels, featuring panoramic sea views. The upper levels feature a 7.5m high, 360-degree sky lounge. The crown serves as ideal platforms for high-level business activities. A soaring sky atrium is positioned on the west, enclosed by a lightweight cable-supported curtain wall system. The convention centre and multi-function hall are stacked vertically on the north. The ground floor is elevated 12m, creating a welcoming urban plaza and grand entrance steps.

The western plot focuses on R&D office, with a 165.85m secondary tower positioned on the northern side, creating a staggered layout alongside the main tower. At the top of the tower, a sky atrium with high ceilings serves an open space for collaboration, enhancing flexibility for cross-level leasing and adaptive modifications. On the south, two versatile apartment buildings are strategically placed, complemented by a variety of commercial amenities. This well-integrated layout creates a high-quality community where residents can seamlessly experience living, leisure, and social engagement.

With a well-structured layout, the design establishes strong connectivity within plots through public spaces, linking them harmoniously with surrounding urban green spaces and cultural parks. This greatly enhances the area’s openness and interaction. The entrance plaza of the convention centre features a grand, open space that serves as a landmark venue for city events. A sunken plaza on the western plot is designed to integrate with the underground retail street and metro station, efficiently guiding pedestrian circulation while activating the commercial vibrancy.

At the heart of the development, a commercial plaza framed by surrounding architecture creates a lively atmosphere, providing an ideal gathering space for residents to socialise, relax, and engage in urban life.

The design is inspired by the distinctive architectural technique, mimicking the rhythmic layering of traditional wall construction and paying tribute to historic building logic through precisely cut and interwoven architectural volumes. The richly textured façade reinterprets the depth and pattern of brick and stone walls, resulting in an architectural space that serves as a bridge between regional heritage and global innovation.

The design incorporates diverse façades to enhance both functionality and aesthetics. The main tower in the eastern plot utilises Low-E ultra-clear glass and horizontal metal panels for a sleek appearance, while vertical metal grilles emphasise its height. The conference centre’s third-floor façade showcases 3,000 rotating golden bricks, forming an innovative mechanical curtain wall. ‘With a thoughtful balance of architectural expression and interactive elements, the design ensures that the structure not only integrates seamlessly into the urban fabric but also becomes a memorable experience for visitors.’ Andy shares.

The headquarters is not only a symbol of BRICS cooperation but also a new urban living room within Xiamen. The design integrates local culture and natural elements to highlight high-end social functions and the spirit of international exchange and collaboration.

‘This building represents not just the vision of BRICS cooperation but also a commitment to sustainable urban development and the concept of shared prosperity. We hope it serves as a bridge between international and local communities, inspiring new possibilities’, Andy and Zihuan say.