Zaha Hadid Architects has won a competition to design the 4.7 million-sf Phase II of Beijing’s International Exhibition Centre. Phase II will significantly expand the Centre’s exhibition space and enhance Beijing’s position as a center of knowledge and international exchange. In addition to 3.7 million-sf of exhibition space, the Centre will also include a 516,000-sf hotel and a 473,000-sf conference center.
Located at the core of the International Airport New City in Beijing’s Shunyi District, the center will feature integrated relationships between the exhibition halls, conference center, and hotel that are echoed in the Centre’s composition. The spaces will be arranged as a series of interconnecting lines and geometries that draw inspiration from the textures of glazed tubular ceramic tile roofs within traditional Chinese architecture. Copper color and large recessed windows give further expression to the visually dynamic envelope.
A composite roof system will insulate the indoor environment and provide maximum sound absorption. The roof’s symmetric geometries create an efficient lightweight large span structure to provide a column free flexible space that can quickly adapt to changes in exhibitions.
A central north-south axis will act as the primary connecting space between the east and west exhibition halls with the conference center and hotel located to the north of the site. Shared courtyards that feature gardens, cafes, and outdoor public events spaces are included for informal meetings and relaxation.
Solar arrays are included and a smart building management system will adjust the exhibition center’s hybrid ventilation as required. Additionally, rainwater collection and grey water recycling will complement the extensive gardens and natural landscaping. Modular fabrication and construction methods will be used to minimize construction time, investment, and operational costs.
Related Stories
| Jan 31, 2014
6 considerations for rehabbing student union buildings
Most colleges and universities feel pressure to offer the latest amenities in order to attract and retain the best and brightest students. While hauling in the bulldozer to create modern facilities is attractive in some regards, deciding to renovate can be just as effective and, in some cases, even preferable to new construction.
| Jan 30, 2014
How reverse engineering nature can spur design innovation
It’s not enough to copy nature. Today’s designers need a deeper understanding of environmental nuance, from the biome in.
| Jan 29, 2014
Notre Dame to expand football stadium in largest project in school history
The $400 million Campus Crossroads Project will add more than 750,000 sf of academic, student life, and athletic space in three new buildings attached to the school's iconic football stadium.
| Jan 28, 2014
16 awe-inspiring interior designs from around the world [slideshow]
The International Interior Design Association released the winners of its 4th Annual Global Excellence Awards. Here's a recap of the winning projects.
| Jan 28, 2014
Big Ten Conference opens swanky HQ and museum [slideshow]
The new mixed-use headquarters includes a museum, broadcast studios, conference facilities, office spaces, and, oh yeah, a Brazilian steakhouse.
| Jan 13, 2014
Custom exterior fabricator A. Zahner unveils free façade design software for architects
The web-based tool uses the company's factory floor like "a massive rapid prototype machine,” allowing designers to manipulate designs on the fly based on cost and other factors, according to CEO/President Bill Zahner.
| Jan 11, 2014
Getting to net-zero energy with brick masonry construction [AIA course]
When targeting net-zero energy performance, AEC professionals are advised to tackle energy demand first. This AIA course covers brick masonry's role in reducing energy consumption in buildings.
| Dec 30, 2013
Calatrava facing legal action from his home town over crumbling cultural complex
Officials with the city of Valencia, Spain, are blaming Santiago Calatrava for the rapid deterioration of buildings within its City of Arts and Sciences complex.
| Dec 27, 2013
Grand Cancun to be first net-zero energy luxury eco-tourism resort
Using a marine platform concept instead of an artificial island, the development will create more space with less impact in the fragile marine ecosystem.
| Dec 19, 2013
Mastering the art of crowd control and visitor flow in interpretive facilities
To say that visitor facility planning and design is challenging is an understatement. There are many factors that determine the success of a facility. Unfortunately, visitor flow, the way people move and how the facility accommodates those movements, isn’t always specifically considered.
