Wide-angle exterior shot of the SAIC Volkswagen Technical Centre with a large section of the façade, surrounding water features and industrial urban context, taken at sunrise.

SAIC Volkswagen Technical Centre Shanghai

Interior view of a connecting walkway within a multi-storey atrium with surrounding glass façades, modular office structure and high spatial transparency.

Detailed exterior shot of the entrance area with wide steps, towering glass façades and geometric reflections that emphasise the architectural focus on transparency and precision.

A Gateway to the Future

The SAIC Volkswagen Technical Centre in Shanghai stands for mobility, communication, and transparency. Guided by the concept of the “Enterprise Gate”, the architecture creates a distinctive form that expresses SAIC Volkswagen’s position as a leading automotive company and the role of the Technical Centre as a key project in the city’s transformation into a global automotive hub.

At a Glance

“Enterprise Gate”: Iconic gesture formed by a nine‑storey atrium

60 metres high with 12 storeys and approx. 42,000 m² GFA

Cable‑stayed glass façade as a technical and architectural innovation

Award: REARD Global Design Award, Silver

Space for Exchange and Innovation

The atrium extends across nine storeys and is traversed by four skybridges that connect the two sides of the towers. This structure links the internal spatial programme with an expansive spatial experience. The interior concept is based on flexible working environments: focus areas, creative zones, a cafeteria, and a VR centre form a dynamic setting for research and development.

Building Envelope as a Membrane

At the heart of the design is the façade, conceived as a transparent membrane that spans the space between the two tower volumes. Originally planned as an open external area, the atrium became a weather‑protected, light‑filled space through this construction.

Innovative Cable‑Stayed Glass Façade

An orthogonal system of horizontal and vertical tension cables supports large, laminated glass panels. The result is a continuous, almost dematerialised surface for the atrium façades. Compared to conventional steel‑and‑glass systems with framed panels, this solution is lighter and more refined, requiring the highest precision. In addition to its climatic function, it allows daylight to penetrate deep into the building and creates visual connections to the outside. It shapes and defines the building volumes and reinforces the idea of the “Enterprise Gate” with an open, welcoming and protective gesture.

Connected to the External Space

The orientation of the building volumes opens views towards the adjacent river and neighbouring production facilities. The reflective glass façade integrates the building into its surroundings, while the permeable atrium creates a seamless transition between interior and exterior and a harmonious relationship between technology and the urban context.

Project Profile

Project: SAIC Volkswagen Technical Centre
GFA: 41.900 m²
Services: Architecture, interior architecture, landscape, general planning
Completion: 2021
Uses: Office, research, exhibition, gastronomy
Awards: REARD Global Design Award, Silver

Exterior shot of the SAIC Volkswagen Technical Centre in the evening with its illuminated glass façade, spacious car park and bustling public square, showing the building in its urban setting.