1. Project Background and Positioning

Located on Songling Road, Laoshan District, Qingdao, adjacent to Laoshan National Forest Park, the project has a total construction area of 3,500 square meters. Its design and construction were completed from April to December 2020. As a key component of Goertek Technology’s global R&D core, the design aims to break the closed nature of traditional office spaces, promote cross-departmental collaboration through open and shared public areas, and echo the regional characteristics of Qingdao as an integrated “mountain-sea-city”. The project owner is Goertek Technology Co., Ltd., and the construction unit is Shanghai Yitong Architectural Decoration Engineering Co., Ltd.

2. Design Strategies and Spatial Innovations

Integration of Material Language, Technology and Humanity

The main structure adopts fair-faced concrete, matched with anodized aluminum panels, U-profile glass and black granite, creating a contrast between cool tones and warm wood materials. For instance, the “light box” made of backlit U-profile glass contrasts with the fair-faced concrete wall, becoming the visual focus of the elevator hall. This material combination not only embodies a sense of technology but also injects humanistic care through elements such as wooden tea bars and green plant courtyards.

Spatial Penetration and Natural Integration

Vertical Interaction System: A “grand staircase courtyard” is embedded in the original building framework. Through multi-level terraces and high-ceilinged spaces, cross-floor communication is promoted, simulating the stacked form of mountain ranges.

Blurred Natural Interface: The prefabricated concrete components on the exterior abstract the mountain shape of Laoshan, forming a continuous interface between semi-outdoor spaces and indoor public areas. For example, the sunken courtyard creates an atmosphere of a “natural canyon in the city” through skylight simulation and green plant configuration.

Functional Layout and Detailed Design

The design covers core areas including the office lobby, café, and shared meeting area:

Elevator Hall and Light Box: The luminous body formed by backlit U-profile glass contrasts with the fair-faced concrete wall, serving as the visual focus of the space.

Tea Bar and Mezzanine Platform: The combination of wooden materials and green plants provides a warm, informal collaborative space.

Sustainable Design: Although no direct environmental certification is mentioned for the project, its “natural integration” strategy and material selection (e.g., the light transmittance of U-profile glass) have objectively improved space energy efficiency.

3. Operation Status and Industry Impact

Practical Usage and Employee Feedback

Although no direct data on the usage of the public area has been disclosed, Goertek has activated the public space in recent years through events such as the “Innovation Conference” and “Mid-Autumn Festival Street”. For example, the 2024 Mid-Autumn Festival Street set up a technology experience zone (e.g., Van Gogh MR, 3D printing) and a parent-child interaction zone in the public area, enhancing employees’ sense of identity with the space. However, employees generally report high work intensity (e.g., R&D personnel often work overtime until after 10:00 p.m.), which may affect the actual utilization rate of the public area.

Industry Recognition and Corporate Strategy

The overall project of Goertek’s Global R&D Headquarters (including the public area) has been included in the classic case database of NIKKEN SEKKEI (Japan). Its design is evaluated as “harmonizing with the idyllic natural environment while enhancing user experience and corporate image”. Goertek emphasizes the integration of “AI + XR” in its 2025 strategy, and the open space of the public area provides a physical carrier for technology display and interdisciplinary collaboration. For instance, the 2025 Innovation Conference showcased self-developed Micro OLED display modules and other cutting-edge technologies in the public area.

Phase II Expansion and Cooperation Model

The Phase II of Goertek Technology Industrial Project, undertaken by China Construction Eighth Engineering Division First Construction Co., Ltd. and scheduled for completion in 2026, continues the design strategy of “three-dimensionally stacked functions and zigzag corridor layout” to further strengthen the synergy between R&D and production. Although MAT Office has not directly participated in Phase II, the success of the public area in Phase I has helped it build a reputation in the Qingdao market, and it may deepen cooperation with local enterprises in the future.

4. Future Outlook

As Goertek accelerates its layout in businesses such as AI smart glasses and smart wearables, the public area of Qingdao R&D Headquarters is expected to undertake more functions related to technology display and ecological cooperation. For example, its semi-open space can serve as a customer experience center, while the grand staircase courtyard is suitable for hosting industry forums or product launch events. In addition, since Goertek obtained the national-level “Green Factory” certification in 2023, the public area may improve sustainability in the future by upgrading lighting systems and introducing photovoltaic technology.