Aedas has recently completed the design of the topside development of Metro Line 16 Beianhe Depot. The project is located in North of the Haidian District. Seamlessly integrated into the rail system, the project is comprised of office, commercial, cultural and residential developments.

Merging the completed depot with this new development is a challenge because the Northern section of Line 16 is already in operation. The design must maximise the use of space, eliminate height differences to avoid urban fragmentation and ensure that the facade naturally blends into the surrounding green space. The development must also cultivate an environment for local industry growth and strengthen community connections.

The project is divided into three sections as the site's elevation changes. The lower section is used for commercial offices, the higher section is used for residential space, and the highest section is reserved for community use. Inspired by traditional Chinese landscape paintings, the design captures the silhouette of the rolling Western Mountains and creates the curved and arching structures for each program within the development.

The building is arranged in an enclosed form with a complete and continuous building facade. The sloping roofs extend the building space into its surroundings to form a strong connection with its natural environment.

The project is designed with a multi-level three-dimensional landscape. A sunken garden, landscaped boulevard and parks between buildings have been designed to increase public green space in the development to cultivate a live-work atmosphere.

As a hub for the first station on Metro Line 16, this mix-use project is vital in seamlessly connecting transportation to the community and local businesses. Taking this into account, the project strategically integrates various access points to increase accessibility for both pedestrian and vehicle traffic flow.

The design utilises the height difference between the vehicle sections to create the sunken garden at the subway exit. Bringing natural light underground, the sunken garden blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor space, forms three-dimensional greenery to guide circulation between the ground and underground floors and naturally directs passengers to the retail space.

The commercial building at the entrance of the subway provides direct access to the rest of the development.

Designed with multiple indoor and outdoor walkways, residents can navigate their way home via the calming and zen-inspired indoor passageways from the retail podium, or take advantage of the breathtaking views from the outdoor landscaped passageway. A circular space in the middle of the plaza connects the lobby to rail, bus, car and pedestrian traffic.

The design provides various access points to ensure convenience for all users. Motor vehicle entrance is directly through the ramp on the underground level to ensure the safety of pedestrians.

The project is a green oasis located in the Beijing Zhongguancun National Park. Inspired by traditional Chinese courtyards, the office development offers users a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere in an urban context.

The reception on the ground floor is designed with high ceilings to maximise space and showcase the development's greenscaped inner courtyards. An elevated landscaped green space is situated on the second floor to grant natural light to meeting rooms through waterscape and skylights. Cantilever meeting rooms above overlook the courtyard, and all office buildings are connected to enhance accessibility.

The office park on the West is designed to reflect the mountainous terrain and encloses scattered building units to form a central sunken plaza and courtyard space. The use of double volumes and outdoor terraces enrich the garden-inspired office facade while also providing communal gathering space.

Stitching the fragmented community clusters together through an integrative transport-oriented development, the Beijing Beianhe Deport TOD project is a seamless solution that promotes the growth of the Haidian District.