"The Four Seasons of West Lake," Located within the Hong Kong Science Park, the project integrates a variety of functions including office, conference, reception, and lounge areas. As a key overseas expansion initiative under the guidance of the Hangzhou Science and Technology Bureau, the Hangzhou Innovation Incubation Center is implemented by the Hangzhou Industrial Investment Group. It aims to provide a platform for Hangzhou-based tech enterprises to connect with innovation resources in Hong Kong and globally, focusing on technology R&D collaboration, achievement transformation, and cultural exchange.
The design draws inspiration from the project's vision— "Hangzhou and Hong Kong, together toward the world" —with Hangzhou culture as its core theme. By abstracting imagery from West Lake landscapes and the four seasons, the space is shaped into an immersive cultural workplace. Through spatial storytelling, the design fuses local identity with global perspective, responding to the technological and cultural synergy between Hangzhou and Hong Kong.
The spatial layout takes cues from traditional Chinese landscape painting aesthetics, using layered curves to divide functional zones. At the entrance, layered fabric partitions in yellow, blue, and green form a mountain-like backdrop symbolizing seasonal transitions. Mountain-patterned flooring extends into the depth of the space, drawing the eye forward and evoking a strong sense of Hangzhou. To the north of the screen lies a tea bar and an open discussion area. Through smart use of partitions, the space remains both connected and distinct.
To the right of the entrance is a salon space that provides venues for roadshows, cocktail events, and networking for startups. The design incorporates representative elements from Hangzhou, Hong Kong, and the world, organizing them into a culturally dynamic environment. The salon walls feature large-scale illustrations by an independent artist, depicting iconic urban and cultural elements such as Hangzhou's Yunmen and the Big Lotus, the Victoria Harbour skyline, lion dances, and dragons. The soft furnishings include movable Grado map chairs in the shape of a world map, symbolizing cross-city dialogue and suggesting that enterprises will go global from this very space.
The office area is themed around the four seasons of West Lake, using color and material to define distinct zones: Meeting rooms and private offices adopt a pink palette to reflect spring, with lotus motifs on the walls and spaces defined by overlapping glass and curved fabric panels to create a gentle atmosphere. The main conference room uses a green color scheme to represent summer. Carpets feature water ripple patterns, and walls are decorated with imagery of waves and lotus leaves. Layered wood textures and fabric curves enhance the spatial fluidity. The reception lounge uses orange tones for autumn, paired with maple leaf motifs, felt decorations, and brown leather sofas to create a warm and inviting sensory experience. The open office area is themed around winter, using shades of gray and white to set off the vibrancy of the other three seasons. Equipped with phone booths, flexible workstations, and original mountain-shaped furniture, the space supports diverse work modes.
