Zaha Hadid Architects unveils Greater Bay Area Sports Centre in Guangzhou
Zaha Hadid Architects has finished the Greater Bay Area Sports Centre in Guangzhou, China. This impressive complex covers a 70-hectare waterfront park in the Nansha area. It includes a stadium that holds 60,000 spectators with adaptable seating, a 20,000-seat arena for basketball and other indoor sports, and a 4,000-seat aquatic center featuring a pool and diving well. The design is inspired by the curved forms of traditional Chinese sailing ships from the Song Dynasty. The stadium's facade has vertical louvres for shade and cooling, while its layered roof allows fresh air to circulate. An archway invites breezes from the Pearl River estuary, enhancing the views. It also offers athlete accommodation, outdoor training spaces for schools, and wetlands for flood control. Collaborating with GDAD, the firm aimed to create a venue that suits both sporting and cultural events, taking advantage of the area's mild winters for outdoor activities.
Key facts
- Zaha Hadid Architects completed the Greater Bay Area Sports Centre in Guangzhou, China.
- The centre is located in a 70-hectare waterfront park in Guangzhou's Nansha district.
- It includes a 60,000-seat stadium, a 20,000-seat arena, and a 4,000-seat aquatic centre.
- The design draws inspiration from traditional Song Dynasty sailing ship hulls.
- The stadium roof is layered, inspired by pleated silk structures of traditional Chinese fans.
- An arched opening in the stadium allows cool sea air from the Pearl River estuary to enter.
- The project includes athlete accommodation and outdoor training facilities for schools.
- Zaha Hadid Architects collaborated with Guangdong Architectural Design and Research Institute (GDAD).
Entities
Institutions
- Zaha Hadid Architects
- Guangdong Architectural Design and Research Institute (GDAD)
- Dezeen
- CRLand
Locations
- Guangzhou
- China
- Nansha district
- Pearl River estuary