Kevin Frayer
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gettyimages.comHuawei's European-Themed Campus
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Huawei's Ox Horn Campus in Dongguan, China, is a remarkable $1.45 billion research and development facility that blends European architectural styles with cutting-edge technology. Spanning 300 acres, this unique campus features 12 zones inspired by iconic European cities and landmarks, connected by a Swiss-inspired tram system, and houses up to 30,000 employees dedicated to innovation.
Huawei's European styled R&D campus in China: Here's a look
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European-Inspired Architecture
European-themed model village in China
Location
South shore of Songshan Lake, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
Opening Date
April, 2019
Construction Cost
$1.5 billion
traveltomtom.net
The Ox Horn Campus showcases a diverse array of European architectural styles, meticulously recreated to transport visitors across the continent. Among the replicas are Germany's Heidelberg Castle, France's Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris, and iconic structures from Freiburg, Burgundy, Bologna, Windermere, Luxembourg, Bruges, Oxford, and Granada
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. This architectural mosaic includes faithful reproductions of Versailles in Paris, the Alte Brücke in Heidelberg, and the Freedom Bridge in Budapest3
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The campus's design philosophy prioritizes human-centric spaces that harmonize with the natural environment, eschewing the typical skyscraper-dominated landscape of the region1
. This approach not only creates a unique work atmosphere but also serves as a testament to Huawei's commitment to innovative design, blending cultural appreciation with functional workspace planning. The European-inspired architecture provides a distinctive backdrop for Huawei's cutting-edge research and development activities, creating a visually striking and intellectually stimulating environment for its employees.3 sources
Campus Features and Amenities
NurPhoto
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gettyimages.comThe Huawei Ox Horn Campus offers a comprehensive array of amenities designed to enhance employee well-being and productivity. At its heart lies a picturesque lake adorned with black swans, providing a serene backdrop for relaxation and informal meetings
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. The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities including:
- A fully-equipped gym for fitness enthusiasts
- A grand library housed in a Harry Potter-esque building
- Multiple coffee shops for casual breaks and discussions
- On-site accommodations and a hotel for visiting employees and clients
- Numerous informal meeting spots scattered throughout the grounds
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Research and Development Hub
The Ox Horn Campus serves as Huawei's primary research and development hub, housing over 30,000 employees dedicated to innovation
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. This state-of-the-art facility plays a crucial role in Huawei's strategy to maintain its position as a global leader in telecommunications and technology. The campus's unique design, blending European aesthetics with cutting-edge infrastructure, creates an environment that fosters creativity and collaboration among researchers.
- The R&D center focuses on developing new technologies in areas such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing3.
- Huawei's CEO, Ren Zhengfei, encourages a culture of innovation that values even failed experiments, recognizing them as opportunities for learning and talent development1.
- The campus's layout and amenities are specifically designed to facilitate informal meetings and idea exchanges, promoting cross-pollination of concepts across different research teams14.
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Design Controversy
The Huawei Ox Horn Campus has sparked debate in China over its architectural approach. Critics have labeled the European-inspired design as "shanzhai" or copycat architecture, questioning the originality of replicating Western landmarks
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. This controversy reflects a broader trend in China, where replicas of foreign structures have become increasingly common, such as Wuhan University's fake Great Wall and parks featuring Sphinx copies1
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Some argue that the campus design contradicts Huawei's image as an innovative technology leader, suggesting a disconnect between the company's forward-thinking products and its backward-looking architectural choices1
. However, supporters view the campus as a creative blend of cultural appreciation and functional workspace design, emphasizing its role in fostering a unique and inspiring environment for research and development2
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Related
What inspired Huawei to choose European landmarks for the campus design
How do employees react to working in such an unique environment
What are the challenges of maintaining such a large and complex campus
How does the campus's design impact employee productivity
Are there any notable innovations that have emerged from the Ox Horn Campus