Great building.The design for the Universiade Sports Center in the city of Shenzhen is inspired by the surrounding undulating landscape and generates a formal dialog that references Chinese horticulture and philosophy toward the land. The roof structure projects up to 65 m, and is designed as a steel prismatic shell on a basis of triangular fac- ets. Faceted glass triangles create glowing crowns around a trio of stadiums for the World University Games currently taking place in Shenzhen.
The crystalline shape of the three stadia is additionally emphasized by the illumination of the translucent facades at night. An artificial lake connects the stadium with the circular multifunctional hall in the north and the rectangular swimming hall west thereof. The overall capacity is approx. 18,000 spectators. The swimming complex forms the third module of the Shenzhen Universiade Sports Center. The overall capacity is approx. 3,000 spectators, the seats are arranged on two stands.
GMP Architekten have designed a number of stadiums for international competitions, including the recently published World Aquatics Championships complex in Shanghai – see all our stories about stadiums by GMP Architekten here.The main stadium is planned to be multifunctional, meeting the requirements of international sports occasions and events.
Total capacity is 60,000, seated in three stands. The total diameter of the roof is 310 m lengthways and 290 m across. The Universiade sports center has to satisfy the functional requirements of both international sports events and the organization of other smaller and larger-scale events and concerts.
The central sports plaza is accessed via a raised promenade from the individual stadia. The indoor sports complex is designed as a circular multifunctional arena for indoor sports competitions as well as for ice-skating and other events. Two 150 m tall buildings forming the service centre round off the sports complex in the north.
The largest of the three buildings is the main events arena, which seats up to 60,000 spectators in three tiered stands. The second stadium hosts indoor activities including ice skating and the third houses a swimming pool for aquatic events.
Consultancy: 2006 – 1st Prize
Design: Meinhard von Gerkan and Stephan Schütz with Nicolas Pomränke
Client: Bureau of Public Works of Shenzhen Municipality
Construction period: 2007–2011
Planning area: 870,000 m²
Seats stadium: 60,000
Seats multi-function hall: 18,000
Seats swimming hall: 3,000
