Topping Out Ceremony: Alibaba’s Central China Headquarters Designed by Benoy

A topping out ceremony was recently held for the completion of the main structure of the T1 tower of Alibaba​’s Central China Headquarters project, for which Benoy is responsible for both the masterplan and architecture. This milestone signifies the commencement of the final phase toward completion. Wei Tang, Project Director of Benoy Shanghai Studio and project leader for Ali Central China, was invited to represent the team at this significant event.

Alibaba Central China Headquarters and Industrial Complex, located in Wuhan’s Xudong core business district in Wuchang, aims to establish a smart industrial hub that integrates talent, entrepreneurship, work, business and lifestyle. 

With a total floor area of over 450,000 square metres, the project is set to become Wuhan’s new iconic landmark. The development comprises two impressive office towers, a 52-storey, 272.5‑metre-high tower (T1), a 38-storey, 172.85-metre-high tower (T2), as well as a 10-storey commercial podium and a 4‑storey underground space. 

The commercial podium structure was completed in 2023, and China Resources MixC has been appointed to operate and manage the property, slated for operation by the end of 2024.

The spatial arrangement draws inspiration from the traditional Chinese ​“Kongming lock”, a puzzle known for its interlocking wooden cubes, columns, and sticks. Units are intricately interlocked, nested, and reconstructed in three dimensions, with the Ali HUB office and business space serving as the high-level horizontal lock. 

This space responds to the urban dynamics, catering to the modern needs of internet companies and functionalities of both B2B and B2C spaces, resulting in a versatile and highly dynamic public space. By minimising the grey space between the Ali HUB and the commercial areas, the project achieves its distinct urban character.

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Benoy team, Alibaba and all valued partners who have played a pivotal role in bringing this project to fruition.

Read more about the design behind the project:
https://​www​.benoy​.com/​n​e​w​s​/​2​0​2​0​/​1​1​/​d​e​s​i​g​n​e​d​-​b​y​-​b​e​n​o​y​-​a​l​i​b​a​b​a​s​-​c​e​n​t​r​a​l​-​c​h​i​n​a​-​h​e​a​d​q​u​a​r​t​e​r​s​-​a​n​d​-​i​n​d​u​s​t​r​i​a​l​-​c​o​m​p​l​e​x​-​i​s​-​o​f​f​i​c​i​a​l​l​y​-​e​s​t​a​b​l​i​s​h​e​d​-​i​n​-​w​uhan/

Thanks to Alibaba for sharing the images with us