Zaha Hadid Architects' 67-hectare “Unicorn Island” masterplan in Chengdu is slowly beginning to take shape with the near-completion of its first building, a start-up exhibition and conference center. 

The masterplan's catchy name “Unicorn Island” might make it sound like some sort of utopian theme park at first, but the name is a reference to the multitude of $1 billion-worth “unicorn” tech start-up companies that operate in China.

Located in Chengdu's evolving Tianfu New Area, the mixed-use project will provide living and working environments designed to enhance the well-being of some 70,000 researchers, office staff, residents, and visitors, according to ZHA.

Its design was influenced by the region's historic natural engineering projects, like the nearby UNESCO-designated Dujiangyan irrigation system and the contemporary hydraulic engineering that is re-establishing Tianfu New Area's wetlands. 

Inspired by the environmental goals of these projects, Unicorn Island incorporates green spaces, water conservation, and enhanced connectivity. It will also include natural water management systems and urban farming technologies to provide locally-grown produce to residents, workers, and visitors.

The project comprises of a central plaza and metro station surrounded by integrated clusters; the radial design will allow the entire island to be accessible by a short walk or bike ride. 

The height and composition of each cluster “will be established organically” as the masterplan expands, and will directly respond to varying requirements of function, program, and efficiency. The result will be a group of diverse, interconnected buildings designed at a human scale to create a sense of community. A completion date for the project is yet to be announced.

Check out a construction video of the start-up conference center below.