Hangzhou is one of the most well known cities in China. The city possesses a successful economy that appeals to the international community for its tourist and high-tech industrial resources. Xiaoshan International Airport therefore serves to be first impression to globe trotters visiting Hangzhou.

     The design brief looked for an architectural interior that can express Hangzhou to the world that is memorable. It strived to create a sense of place that can represent the cultural heritage of the city.

     The silk industry traditionally provided a strong economic base for the development of Hangzhou. The Departure Hall ceiling thus is a major design feature which was conceptualized as pieces of flowing silk cloths, undulating and intertwining each other to create an iconic internal space. The curve profiled perforated ceiling is characterized by metal fins that adds visual impact and shield light troughs to reduce glare. The double curved ceiling was generated by parametric modeling to maximize repetition whilst maintaining the innovative form.

     Check-In islands were seen as two free standing sculptural elements. Their roofline echoes the ceiling profile above by using specially fabricated aluminum fins accurately cut by laser. Floor pattern based on linear lines in line with the ceiling fins ensured a holistic approach to the interior design. The fluidity of the design is continued within the duty fee area with curvilinear retail shop layout and floor pattern designed to enhance the retail experience and provide visibility to departure gates.

     In the Arrival Hall ceiling design, two conceptualized ¡°Liangzhu¡± jade rings, a historic relic that marked the earliest civilization in China, signify a symbolic entrance to the city. Utilizing the same language from the Departure Hall, vertical fins in the ceiling are arranged to give presence and identify meeting points and exits within the airport terminal.

     Designed by Aedas, the airport was formally opened in July 2010 and hailed as an instant success by peers in the industry as functional, elegant and presented Hangzhou with a piece of architectural space that draws inspiration from their past.

 

 

Aedas announces the promotion of Managing Director - China, Ken Wai as the Managing Director - Greater China.

     Ken is one of the principal designers for Aedas in Asia and recently launches a featured book, ¡°Seeking Equilibrium: Architecture of Ken Wai¡±. The book is a beautifully illustrated summary of his recent works, which include projects at different stages, from completed works to current designs on the drawing board.

     Projects recently completed by Ken includes the award-winning Hangzhou International Airport, which captured the Merit Award for Interior Architecture in American Institute of Architects Hong Kong Design Awards 2010.

     Ken also has PRC Class 1 Registered Architect Qualification. With over 20 years of professional experience in architecture, Ken has been responsible for project design and management, specializing in large-scale institutional, infrastructure, high quality commercial and residential projects. He has been involved in the design of various iconic buildings around the world, including numerous large-scale commercial and hospitality projects throughout China.