Shaoxing Highway Toll-Gate of Huhangyong Expressway l Atelier RenTian

The Shaoxing Highway Toll-Gate project, strategically located on the eastern side of Zhongxing Avenue in Shaoxing City’s Yuecheng District, is the gateway to the G92 Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway. As Shaoxing’s primary highway access point, this toll station manages a daily influx of 20,000 to 30,000 vehicles, facilitating connections between Shaoxing, Hangzhou, Ningbo, and Shanghai. Beyond its practical role, the Shaoxing Highway Toll-Gate encapsulates Shaoxing’s rich history and forward-thinking ethos. Its renovation’s central objective was to enhance its functionality and aesthetic appeal, aligning it with the city’s vibrant spirit.

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Shaoxing Highway Toll-Gate’s Design Concept

From a functional perspective, the existing 12 lanes proved insufficient to handle the substantial daily traffic and special requirements posed by events like the Asian Games and health inspections during the pandemic. Consequently, a 13th lane was added, and a central public security inspection and epidemic prevention facility were incorporated.

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Regarding aesthetics, Shaoxing is the second-most prominent host of Asian Games events after Hangzhou. Athletes residing in the Asian Games Village frequently commute via the expressway, making the Shaoxing Highway Toll-Gate a critical entry point and symbol of Shaoxing’s warm welcome to international guests. The toll station underwent a comprehensive redesign to cater to these unique demands.

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The redesign involved reconfiguring the lanes, with the central two lanes transformed into a security inspection building and three new lanes added on the east side. This expansion increased the Shaoxing Highway Toll-Gate’s span by about 20 meters compared to its previous design, with the roof now stretching to a width of 124 meters.

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To ensure duty personnel were sheltered from adverse weather conditions in each lane’s external security inspection areas, the roof was widened to 67 meters on both the north and south sides. To meet quarantine and security inspection requirements, a two-story glass space was introduced at the center of the toll station, serving as an integrated office, security inspection, and epidemic prevention area.

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With its 2,500-year history, Shaoxing is often called the “Venice of the East,” known for its Jiangnan water culture and picturesque waterways. In the toll station’s design, these elements were abstractly incorporated: the black roof symbolizes boat tarps, and the arched structure represents waterway bridges, paying homage to Shaoxing’s cultural heritage.

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The entire steel structure was meticulously assembled using prefabricated welding techniques, a complex task given the gradual curvilinear design, necessitating parametric design control to strike the right balance between aesthetics and cost-effectiveness. Skylights made of glass were added to the central portion of the roofs on both sides, creating dynamic interplays of light and shadow.

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The Shaoxing Highway Toll-Gate was a collaborative effort involving consultations with various stakeholders, including the Public Security Department, Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway, municipal authorities, investors, the fire department, maintenance teams, local officials, and experts. These consultations were essential in making informed decisions and adjustments throughout the project; a challenge architects had to navigate diligently.

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The Shaoxing Highway Toll-Gate’s structural design was carried out by OpenUnion, with Jinggong Steel Building Group handling the construction of steel structures and Tongchuang Engineering overseeing the general contracting of EPC. Atelier RenTian was responsible for the initial design and concept phases, maintaining a deep involvement even as the project transitioned into the EPC phase. In practical use over the past year, the Shaoxing Highway Toll-Gate has fulfilled its initial objectives and emerged as a distinctive urban gateway for Shaoxing, extending a warm welcome to all, especially the athletes and guests visiting for the Asian Games.

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