Woods Bagot Projects

Lighting On

Illuminating the intersection of commerce, culture and design in the heart of Hangzhou.

Hangzhou Mansion Retail Urban Upgrade

RetailIn Progress

CN

Designed by Woods Bagot, the renovation of the Hangzhou Mansion AB blocks covers the façade, inner courtyard and surrounding public realm. This transformative project revitalises one of Wulin Square’s most iconic landmarks in the heart of Hangzhou, China. 

Guided by the concept “Lighting On,” the design reinterprets the commercial complex through innovative spatial restructuring and stenographic experience making, reinvigorating its cultural and economic vitality. 

Project details

The forward-looking renovation vision of Hangzhou Mansion aligns with Woods Bagot’s design philosophy of shaping architecture for the future. Following the completion of the AB Block upgrade, Woods Bagot continues to advance the interior redesign of BC Block, further strengthening the landmark’s contemporary urban identity through cutting-edge retail concepts and integrated public experiences. At the heart of the redesign, the “Lighting On” motif is expressed through a series of illuminated glass boxes positioned between the AB corridors, forming a pedestrian “T-zone” that seamlessly connects the exterior plaza and inner courtyard, and integrates retail, leisure and culture into a cohesive spatial experience.

This urban passageway fosters interaction between commerce and community, establishing a direct link between an open lifestyle street district and an international fashion media hub. Spatial reconfiguration plays a key role in enhancing commercial performance, with the main entrance adopting a minimalist design that creates a fluid interface between retail display and hotel arrival functions. The courtyard, unified by a warm palette and consistent architectural language, evokes a refined atmosphere of luxury, while circulation on the east side has been optimised with clear pedestrian-vehicle separation expanding the activity zone for premium retail brands.

From the eastern perspective, frosted glass light boxes subtly bridge the building’s solid volumes with refined visual rhythm, and the water feature symbolises a “source of prosperity.” At night, an intelligent lighting system transforms the façade and art installations into an interactive ‘lightscape,’ enlivening the city centre. The renovation emphasises urban integration, preserving selected portions of the original façade texture while coordinating with flagship retail identities and refining circulation efficiency.

Flexible event zones have been added, capable of transforming into fashion runways or art exhibition spaces, and supported by green infrastructure and integrated technologies, the project provides a sustainable platform for year-round cultural and commercial programming. Through narrative-driven spatial renewal, Woods Bagot’s design ensures that this historic urban landmark continues to generate lasting value, and with the BC Block renovation underway, Hangzhou Mansion is poised to once again “light up Wulin.”

Location
Hangzhou, China
Client
Hangzhou Tower
Area
26,500 sqm
Scope
Architecture
Interior Design

‘Lighting On’ –

A series of illuminated glass boxes positioned between the tower’s corridors forms a pedestrian “T-zone” that seamlessly connects the exterior plaza and inner courtyard, integrating retail, leisure and culture into a cohesive spatial experience.

“This renovation embodies our ethos of designing for the future. Following the AB Block’s transformation, we are progressing the BC Block interior redesign to solidify its contemporary identity through advanced retail concepts and seamless public experiences.” 

Jean Weng, Director and Mixed-Use Sector Leader – China