Hangzhou Asian Games Technical Officials Village by GOA: A Fusion of Modernity and Tradition

Sustainable Urban Design Meets Cultural Heritage

The Hangzhou Asian Games Technical Officials Village, designed by GOA (Group of Architects), is a key component of the Hangzhou Asian Games Village, built for the 2022 Asian Summer Olympics. This large-scale urban project includes the Athlete Village, Media Village, and the Technical Officials Village, with GOA leading the design of the latter.

Situated in Xiaoshan District, near the Olympic Sports Center and Qianjiang Century City, the development enjoys proximity to the Qiantang River, balancing urban infrastructure with natural landscapes. Beyond its function during the Asian Games, the village is envisioned as a vibrant international community, setting a precedent for future urban planning in Hangzhou by integrating local heritage with global architectural trends.

Human-Centered Urban Planning & Sustainable Design

Unlike conventional Chinese urban layouts characterized by large blocks and wide roads, the design prioritizes walkability and social interaction. The compact street grid introduces smaller blocks and a pedestrian-friendly environment, reminiscent of traditional Hangzhou alleys. The undulating skyline, inspired by Hangzhou’s rolling mountains and terraced tea fields, seamlessly integrates nature with architecture.

To foster a strong sense of community, the site is divided into six smaller parcels, each forming a neighborhood on a human scale. Buildings are arranged along the outer edges, enclosing a central public park that serves as a hub for social and recreational activities. The circulation design mimics Hangzhou’s historic pathways, guiding residents through meandering streets that open into lush green courtyards, maximizing solar access and ventilation.

Architectural Language: Merging Tradition with Innovation

The Technical Officials Village comprises:

• 1 super high-rise apartment tower
• 10 mid-rise apartment buildings
• 12 high-rise residential towers

The façade design blends contemporary minimalism with traditional Chinese aesthetics, featuring glass curtain walls, natural stone, and metal elements. The light-colored glass and neutral gray stone reflect the natural landscapes of peaks, streams, and tea gardens, evoking a sense of serenity.

The super high-rise tower’s façade draws inspiration from bamboo joints and traditional Jiangnan-style windows, creating a dynamic rhythm through interwoven panel lines. Meanwhile, the lower apartment buildings incorporate elevated floors, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor spaces for a harmonious living experience.

Biophilic Elements & Sustainable Living

Incorporating biophilic design principles, the super high-rise tower features atrium gardens on every fourth floor, paying homage to Jiangnan classical gardens. Meanwhile, sunken courtyards at the entrances enhance natural ventilation and daylight access, fostering a healthy and comfortable living environment. These elements reduce energy consumption, improve air quality, and create a tranquil retreat within the urban fabric.

A Model for Future Urban Development

The Hangzhou Asian Games Technical Officials Village is more than an athletic housing facility—it is a prototype for future urban living. By blending sustainable urban planning, walkability, and traditional Chinese aesthetics, GOA has created a resilient, community-driven, and environmentally-conscious architectural landmark.

All Photographs are works of AOGVISION, Studio FF