The WLA Artificial Intelligence Lab in Shanghai, China, is a world-first for the real estate sector; a laboratory designed specifically for businesses undertaking AI R&D.
Global Design & Architecture Design Awards 2024
Third Award | Office Building (Built)
Project Name: World Laureates Association Artificial Intelligence Lab
Category: Office Building (Built)
Studio Name: PLP Architecture
As the use of AI within business, science and technology grows, demand for R&D is expected to accelerate, and the AI Lab represents a potential new real estate asset class to satisfy this demand. This new workspace was designed by an international design team to facilitate world-class, cutting-edge AI research, collaboration and innovation.
The 47,400m2 building is the result of extensive research into the requirements and working practices of the rapidly growing AI sector. Despite the public emergence of AI in recent years, research undertaken by the design team found that most companies in the field operate from generic workspaces originally designed for other purposes. This often leads to fragmented operations, with crucial functions scattered across different buildings or even sites, hindering collaboration and innovation. Sitting within the Lingang New Area global R&D district in Shanghai, the 47,400m² AI Lab is designed to meet the unique needs of machine and deep learning development.
Extensive research conducted by the design team revealed that most AI companies currently operate from generic and fragmented spaces, hindering collaboration and innovation. The AI Lab addresses this challenge by offering a comprehensive ecosystem under one roof. It features a Super Lab for physical simulations, Specialist Labs for diverse technological experiments, secure Data Centres, and General Labs with a focus on human well-being.
In a break from the norm, the AI Lab champions openness and transparency. Key R&D spaces are located at street level with glass walls, allowing activity to be viewed by building users and the public alike, when appropriate.
Beyond functionality, the AI Lab prioritises the researchers’ comfort and social interaction. A large central atrium provides five distinct collaboration spaces to encourage cross-disciplinary interaction and break down research silos. Interior lighting is specifically designed to boost creativity and productivity. Landscaped roof terraces and gardens promote relaxation and recharge for scientists.
The AI Lab integrates strategies for energy production and reduced consumption through its facades. The distinctive grid form, with large glass units and metallic panels, creates solar shading whilst bringing in natural light into the spaces that need it. On the roof, a mixture of translucent and opaque photovoltaic glass panels balance aesthetic, energy production and shading needs.
