Shijiazhuang Conference Center Building Architect, International Exhibition and Convention Centre Design Image

Shijiazhuang Convention Center, North China

Chinese Conference Centre Development design by Woods Bagot Architects

Woods Bagot Designs Abstract Exhibition and Convention Centre in North China

Design: Woods Bagot Architects

image from Woods Bagot, architects

25 Jan 2011

Shijiazhuang Conference Center

Building on the recent success of Melbourne’s six star Green Star Convention and Exhibition Centre in Australia, Woods Bagot is poised to reach new heights in Convention Centre design by creating a dynamic and highly artistic solution for Shijiazhuang City’s new cultural landmark.

Competing against seven internationally acclaimed architectural firms, Woods Bagot’s winning masterplan and concept design for the Shijiazhuang International Exhibition and Convention Centre is poised to become a world class precinct in functionality, scale and artistry.

The culturally-focused mixed use precinct will serve to showcase Shijiazhuang as a global destination for conference delegates and tourists by re-activating the City’s underdeveloped coastal region. Whilst convention precincts in surrounding cities remain under utilized, Woods Bagot’s design is expected to maximize the Chinese government’s generous investment with its emphasis on stimulating and revitalizing 190, 000m2 of the local urban fabric. Moreover, Woods Bagot will deliver a level of sustainability and design excellence in built form that will be fundamental to strengthening Shijiazhuang’s international profile.

“Woods Bagot has designed Shijiazhuang’s International Exhibition and Convention Centre to respond to, and engage with, the landscape and its plethora of visitors – forming a harmonious, balanced design response that is also visually arresting,” said Woods Bagot Beijing Principal Jean Weng.

“Woods Bagot has aimed to bring together the best of both worlds: art and architecture. The result is a unique layout of geometrically complimentary buildings fronted by a tall architectural tower. In short, the masterplan is heavily reliant on incorporating intelligent, ecologically sound, technically viable and culturally iconic building forms.”

Employing a filed pattern reminiscent of traditional Chinese ‘broken ice’ screens, the design language developed by Woods Bagot has been applied to the whole site – working across the grounds, moving outward to the tip’s river surrounds to create a randomly split, abstract appearance when viewed aerially.

“Most importantly the language provides a flexible framework that supports numerous programs, functional arrangements and architectural component relationships. It works at all levels of the scheme – from the macro masterplan down to the micro level paving response by simply scaling the language template.”

Tied together by a fully enclosed and air-conditioned concourse spine, the precinct facilities will comprise 100,000m2 of premium grade international standard exhibition space, 60,000m2 of high quality convention facilities (including a state-of-the-art plenary), and 30,000m2 auxiliary spaces.

A landmark tower reaching upwards of 330m is conveniently located adjacent to the central Exhibition and Convention Centre on an independent 4ha of land. The tower will house a 5-star hotel, serviced apartments and premium grade office space.

“The activated, crisscross pedestrian thoroughfares connect an array of public spaces bordered by restaurants and retail shop fronts for the City to enjoy all year round. The water, the parklands, the buildings and the tower work to establish a newfound synergy in Shijiazhuang’s urban life,” Weng said.

Shijiazhuang International Exhibition and Convention Centre – Building Information

Approx. Size: 190, 000m2 in total, comprising of 100, 000m2 exhibition space, 60, 000m2 convention facilities (including a state-of-the-art plenary), and 30, 000m2 in auxiliary spaces.

Client: Government of China
Competition Details: The final seven competition firms included Woods Bagot, RSA, GMP, RMJM, Zaha Hadid, BIAD and the South China Design Institute.

Woods Bagot

Shijiazhuang Convention Center China images / information from Woods Bagot

Convention Centres

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Location: China