2026 | Professional

MUSE Design Awards Gold Winner

Hangzhou Grand Exhibition Center Project

Entrant

brandston partnership inc.

Category

Lighting Design - Architectural Lighting

Client's Name

Hangzhou Exhibition New Town Development and Construction Co., Ltd.

Country / Region

China

"As the centerpiece of Hangzhou Convention & Exhibition Town, this project draws architectural inspiration from the Qiantang River's ""folding fan"" and ""sail"" motifs, while its lighting design incorporates traditional Hangzhou elements of ""fans"" and ""silk."" The lighting serves three key functions: establishing a new urban identity, harmonizing with the riverine environment, and fostering collective engagement during major city events.

A distinctive palette of lake blue and 5000K white light echoes the Asian Games' ""light ink and subtle colors"" concept, mirroring the river's shimmering waves to create a district character that bridges tradition and modernity.

The rooftop lighting employs an integrated node system within the curtain wall to create the illusion of a raised folding fan. Enhanced structural connections improve wind resistance and acoustic performance, while localized adjustments at nodal and ""fan rib"" sections refine pedestrian-scale visual comfort. Aerial views reveal subtle variations across the fan surface, evoking the rhythm of a river breeze and reinforcing the design narrative. Between these forms, colored linear fixtures trace continuous arched structures with silk-like luminosity, their dynamic glow echoing the distant riverbanks in a display of poetic Chinese romance.

The architecture achieves a powerful urban-scale presence while creating welcoming entrance spaces beneath illuminated ""silk drapes."" Between venues, discreet lighting highlights the elegant structural systems, seamlessly connecting interior and exterior through functional illumination that guides movement and enables flexible spatial use.

A coordinated system integrates architectural, landscape, and interior lighting. Digital management enables real-time programming for diverse events, while adaptive technology balances brightness and color temperature for optimal energy efficiency and comfort.

As Zhejiang's first large-scale Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) project, the lighting utilizes high-efficiency LEDs with intelligent dimming and optimized daylight harvesting. This approach supports China's dual-carbon goals by reducing emissions and long-term maintenance costs, demonstrating sustainable excellence in public architecture."

Credits

Lighting Designer / brandston partnership inc.
Judy Tang
Lighting Designer / brandston partnership inc.
Yanru Cao
Lighting Designer / brandston partnership inc.
Xiaoyan Yu
Lighting Designer / brandston partnership inc.
Congmin Mao
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