A former cement factory in Beijing's Huairou Science City has been transformed into a cutting-edge international research and development campus through an innovative collaboration between HPP Architects and BIAD. The Jinyu Xingfa Science Park represents a remarkable example of industrial heritage preservation, covering approximately 36 hectares and featuring the adaptive reuse of 54 existing buildings that have been revitalized and repurposed for modern scientific research.
The ambitious project, scheduled for completion in 2025, encompasses 182,200 square meters of space and now serves as the home for the Beijing Institute for Mathematical Sciences. The multifunctional science park houses state-of-the-art laboratories, advanced research facilities, and residential units designed specifically for researchers and students. The design team successfully integrated new constructions with the preserved structures, creating a harmonious blend of industrial heritage and contemporary functionality.
The park's design philosophy centers on sustainable revitalization while honoring the site's industrial legacy. A freight railway running north to south through the site has been transformed into a landscape and culturally significant backbone that connects all functional zones. These zones include the Yanqi Lake Institute of Applied Mathematics, a management area, a research institute, an expert studio area, and an office incubator, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for scientific collaboration and innovation.
Following the guiding principle of maximum preservation, the architects developed individualized, tailor-made solutions for each building's unique fabric and character. Notable transformations include converting the conical tent warehouse into a multifunctional exhibition hall, transforming the limestone homogenization silo into a large-scale laboratory, repurposing the belt corridor and storage building into a teaching facility, and converting the cement bagging platform into a scientific archive museum. These adaptive reuse strategies demonstrate how industrial architecture can be successfully reimagined for academic purposes.
One of the most challenging aspects of the project involved incorporating new residential functions into the framework of the existing large-scale silo structure. The architects complemented these residential spaces with essential amenities including lounge areas, daily convenience shops, restaurants, and conference facilities. This integration ensures that the campus provides a complete living and working environment for the academic community.
The project also features several new additions designed to support the park's educational and research mission. A stepped library design connects three levels and creates diverse activity platforms for collaborative learning. A large lecture hall follows the natural contours of the mountain and contains various auditoriums and multifunctional spaces. The Mathematicians' Gymnasium serves as the primary facility for sports activities, while additional amenities include an exhibition hall and a staff cafeteria.
The successful transformation has converted what was once a rugged, inaccessible industrial site into a vibrant, multifunctional science park that offers an attractive, nature-oriented environment for living, learning, and working. The project demonstrates how thoughtful architectural intervention can breathe new life into industrial heritage while creating spaces that inspire scientific discovery and academic collaboration. The Jinyu Xingfa Science Park stands as a model for sustainable urban regeneration and the adaptive reuse of industrial infrastructure for educational purposes.
