International Architecture Awards Tell a friend

Architects: Ennead Architects
Lead Architects: Thomas J. Wong and Brian Masuda
Design Team: Chihwei Hsu, Dean Kim, Diba Dayani, Erik Baik, Ethan Shaw, Wei Chan, Jing Ou, John Zheng Huang, Jun Xu, Junxin Chen, Kyung Min, Lan Chen, Lanxi Sun, Laura Rodriguez, Minhui Zhou, Naz Modares, Neil Yuan, Orit Theuer, Ou Jing, Paula Gronda, Phoebe Nocross, Regina Jiang, Sen Zhang, Sha Li, Shu Shang, SJ Kwon, Weishan Lian, Xiantai Sun, Xinya Li, Xiaohong Chen, Yu Kang, Corliss Ng, Brian Masuda, Grace Chen, Tom Wong
Client: Bilibili Inc.
Images: Courtesy of the Architects

The design of bilibili's Shanghai headquarters draws inspiration from the video technology platform's unique culture and identity, serving as a live/work/play catalyst within the developing Yangpu Innovation District.

The project site is located within the "One River, One Creek" (Huangpu River, Suzhou Creek) area, a key development area in Shanghai's 2035 plan. The central activity zone, formerly a riverfront industrial area, will transform to a mixed-use global city in support of innovation and creativity. The introduction of technology companies, including bilibili, will activate the district, preserve its historical heritage, and contribute to its future growth. The site will serve as a dynamic focal point to the Yangpu Riverside, offering spectacular views to the Lujiazui financial district in Pudong.

The 31-acre site includes four plots, bisected by two roadways. Two historic factory buildings occupying the south-west plot will be restored to form the foundation for a new, historically inspired cultural hub.

The campus masterplan and building designs are conceived as a family of architectural characters rooted in bilibili's brand identity and visual dreamscape aesthetic. The massing of the buildings employs “mushrooms” or “bilis”, identifiable, top-heavy forms with filleted corners that taper to supporting stems. The spaces provide around the stems are programmed as exterior and interior communal activity zones. These spaces found throughout the development are a physical representation of bilibili's commitment to community-building, inclusivity, and a spirit of youthful whimsy.

The development is divided into primary zones; Bilibili Way, ACG Cultural Hub & Plaza, and The Riverfront Village. Although distinct zones within the campus, they are interconnected through circulation zones and shared public space and share a common, bili-inspired architectural language.

bilibili Way is the main east-west commercial and retail spine of the development, marked by the Headquarter Tower and ACG Plaza to the west, four Headquarter buildings in the central area, and two bilibili expansion office buildings to the east. The two buildings are connected by a multi-level glass sky bridge linking the office program within. Floating above is the bili-ring, a special events pavilion offering panoramic views of the surroundings.

The Animation, Cartooning, and Gaming (ACG) Cultural Hub and Plaza is the civic heart of the development. A blend of new and old, the glass pavilion building programmatically and physically stitches together the three historic factory buildings. Serving as a visual beacon from both the plaza and the riverfront, the new pavilion will house a multipurpose space able to house exhibitions and large events. The plaza includes a sunken court that helps to increase connectivity to the below-grade retail spaces.

Riverfront Village located at the south-east quadrant of the site includes a residential building and cluster of leasable mid-rise office buildings arranged around a multi-level sunken court. The L-shaped residential building, with stepped massing and rooftop terraces, is the transition between Bilibili Way and the Riverfront Village. The composition of boxes with rounded edges and window openings, visually ties the residential building back to the rest of the campus. The smaller floorplates at the upper level of the buildings allow access to exterior terraces, taking advantage of the proximity to the riverfront.