Inspired by an ancient verse that portrays the picturesque scenery of Shaoxing, the project takes "green mountain and clear water" as design concept. Instead of simply combining or simulating traditional symbols in Shaoxing, it draws on traditional Chinese landscaping and literary techniques such as "borrowing", "metaphorizing" and "analogy", to respond to local historical context and environment through abstract expressions. By incorporating local features and scenery of nearby Fushan Mountain, the project presents a picturesque, poetic landscape scene that echoes local mountains and water.
Designed by U A D
Recognized by A' Design Award.
The Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University Co., Ltd. (UAD) was established in 1953. Formerly known as Zhejiang University Architectural Design Studio, it is one of the earliest First Class Design Institutes among major national universities. The mission of UAD is to seek “harmonious environment, global vision, design-teaching-research integration and innovation, and the highest professionalism”. UAD adopts the development strategy of “high-grade culture, broad vision, high-efficiency management, high-caliber talents, high professional technologies and high-quality works”, with the academic theory of “Balanced Architecture” as the design guideline. During the past decades, UAD has always persisted in creating fine and innovative works, contributing a large number of outstanding works in various fields. Over the years, it has won more than 1,500 awards for outstanding designs, excellent projects or research outcomes at national, ministerial and provincial levels. UAD has always adhered to the spirit of “seeking truth and innovation” and followed “Excellence and Perfection” as its quality guideline, dedicated to providing quality designs and services for all sectors of the Community, and striving to achieve the core values of “design creates common value”.
U A D has AA++ Rating, valid through 2024. AA++ stands for Distinguished Rating. DBI Awards the AA++ Rating to entities whose output stands out for its distinguished blend of innovation, aesthetic sensibility, and meticulous craftsmanship. This rating signifies consistent achievements that exceed professional standards, demonstrating advanced solutions capable of leaving a lasting impression. This certificate is awarded following a rigorous evaluation process conducted by an esteemed jury panel comprising journalists, academics, design professionals, and entrepreneurs from around the globe. The assessment follows a blind peer-review methodology, ensuring impartial judgment. Entries are meticulously evaluated based on pre-established criteria, with scores normalized and standardized to uphold fairness. This process celebrates and highlights distinguished achievements in innovation, design quality, and creative capacity.
Use the form below to discover award-winning designers, brands, and more on the Design Business Index.
The Design Business Index (DBI) is a merit-based rating system and professional directory founded to address one of the design industry’s biggest challenges: the difficulty of reliably assessing a designer’s true capabilities before a project begins. Through its partnership with the internationally recognized A’ Design Award, DBI combines a rigorous blind review process with transparent evaluation criteria to transform subjective design quality into objective credentials. By featuring only those who have demonstrated excellence under these stringent standards, DBI ensures a carefully curated pool of top talent, where clients can make confident, data-driven decisions about creative partnerships.
Beyond its directory, DBI offers a comprehensive DBI Credibility Suite™ designed to help designers and studios stand out in an overcrowded market. Each DBI-rated professional receives authoritative certificates, digital assets, and rating logos that validate their skills and attest to their proven creative excellence. These tools seamlessly integrate into websites, social media, and marketing materials—reinforcing trust, credibility, and, ultimately, market value. Notably, DBI ratings remain valid for a two-year period, encouraging ongoing professional development and highlighting those who continuously push the boundaries of innovation.
By systematically reducing guesswork and eliminating reliance on subjective portfolio reviews alone, the Design Business Index creates a more efficient, trustworthy, and merit-based environment for both clients and designers. With DBI, top talent rises above the noise, clients gain peace of mind, and the entire global design community benefits from higher standards of creativity, innovation, and professional excellence.
Design Business Index champions design excellence, valuing official recognition from respected international juries over mere popularity. Our criteria focus on transparent, rigorous evaluations by peers, assessing quality, ethics, and innovation. Notably, the prestigious A' Design Award highlights truly exceptional projects, judged by academics, press members, and professionals using a documented scoring system. We exclusively feature professionals and studios that have earned at least one peer-reviewed award, particularly the A' Design Award, ensuring that our listings represent meritocratic accomplishment, innovation, and credibility.
Pro Entry
Digital Entry
Smart Entry
Industry Standard Entry
