Architects: c+d Design Center | Area: 68000 m² | Year: 2023 | Photographs: Arch-Exist Photography, DC ALLIANCE
Shaping a Cultural Nexus in Hangzhou
A Visionary Gymnasium for the Asian Games Athlete Village
Nestled in the north unit of Qianjiang Century City, Hangzhou, the Gymnasium designed by c+d Design Center stands as a cultural beacon within the Asian Games Athlete Village. Acting as the international zone during the Asian Games, this gymnasium transforms into a multifaceted hub post-event, offering an array of services that align with the city’s cultural, artistic, and public space needs.
A Symphony of Challenges
Navigating Functions, Culture, and Sports Themes
The project grappled with multifaceted challenges, addressing complex functions and land conditions, interpreting traditional culture in a modern context, and resonating with the sports theme of the Asian Games. To tackle these challenges, the design employed strategic approaches to seamlessly integrate diverse elements into a coherent whole.
One City with Six Fields
A Pioneering Response to Varied Conditions
The gymnasium spans the east side of the urban area, while the west side accommodates urban infrastructure, including a large substation and a subway. Embracing the principle of integrated architecture and landscape design, the project amalgamates the sports park, subway, substation, and other infrastructural components. This integration forms the basis of the “One City with Six Fields” spatial concept.
The design features six open spaces enclosed by corridors and four buildings, creating six dynamic fields with distinct themes. Each space, interwoven with the site, contributes to the semi-open pattern, presenting a unique character to the city.
Cultural Communication Through Design
“A City Surrounded by Natural Landscape”
Hangzhou’s rich cultural heritage, characterized by the urban pattern of “a city surrounded by natural landscape,” serves as a profound source of inspiration. The design draws cues from ancient artworks, particularly the “Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains” and the “Map of the Imperial City of the Southern Song Dynasty.”
The facade of the gymnasium, extending nearly 600 meters, abstractly deduces the Fuchun Mountains, creating a visual narrative representative of Chinese traditional culture. The turquoise pottery clay louvers evoke celadon hues, contributing to the facade’s jade-like warmth. The design harmoniously integrates traditional Chinese cultural elements into contemporary architecture.
Sports Theme Integration
“People Strolling in a Painting”
As the core of the Asian Games Athlete Village, the gymnasium aligns closely with the sports theme, fostering the integration of urban open space and multi-functional service areas. A 2.0 km three-dimensional runway connects the ground, buildings, and roofs, offering a dynamic experience for visitors.
The design ingeniously incorporates a continuous two-kilometer runway, intricately linked with the city wall design. Various relationships between the runway and the city wall are established, creating a multi-scene experience that evolves as visitors traverse the space.
A Cultural Aspiration in Urban Design
Fusing Tradition, Innovation, and Public Engagement
The Gymnasium in Hangzhou stands as a testament to cultural aspirations and design innovation. It goes beyond being a mere sports facility, presenting an open attitude toward the public. By intertwining tradition and modernity, it reflects the cultural richness of Hangzhou and exudes self-confidence in shaping an international urban environment.
In crafting this iconic gymnasium, c+d Design Center has orchestrated a cultural symphony, offering a space where tradition, sports, and contemporary design seamlessly converge.
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