MVRDV, in partnership with Huayi Design, has won the design competition for the Shenzhen Pingshan Sports Park, located in eastern Shenzhen, China. The sports park will feature a wide range of facilities, including venues for badminton and other competitive sports, a new China National Badminton Training Center and a National Fitness Centre, as well as various amenities for public use. The centerpiece of the project is the 100 badminton courts, a feature that inspired the architectural design, particularly the 240-meter-long roof in the shape of a badminton racket head.
The layout of the sports park includes different areas such as the main stadium, warm-up venues and training facilities. A public level connects these areas via a promenade, creating a T-shaped public space that becomes the focal point of the entire complex. At the intersection of the promenade is a square called the “Sweet Spot”, a name inspired by the best hitting area on a badminton racket. Beneath this public level, a basement level integrates spaces dedicated to sports science research, providing privacy for athletes moving between facilities.
One of the key features of the Shenzhen Pingshan Sports Park is the large badminton racket-shaped roof, equipped with photovoltaic panels to harness solar energy and meet the site’s energy needs. The design not only promotes sustainability but also draws inspiration from the strings of a badminton racket. Above the main building, a 23-story tapered tower houses hotel accommodation on the lower floors and temporary housing for athletes on the upper floors. The tower is strategically positioned to provide easy access and privacy for sports facility users.
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In addition to the main sports venues, the complex will also include other sports venues such as basketball courts and football fields, providing more recreational opportunities for local residents. The National Fitness Center will provide additional badminton courts and swimming facilities. The design also integrates outdoor sports facilities under the nearby viaduct, including a skateboard park, mini basketball court and running track, creating an inclusive sports environment for residents of all ages and skill levels.
Given the planning of the complex, Pingshan Sports Park should undoubtedly become an event for all sports, but more importantly, it should become an event for badminton. By designing the “dessert” area, we faced this requirement head-on and came up with a fun and easy-to-understand concept that anyone can appreciate. At the same time, we placed great emphasis on solving this complex project in an efficient, sustainable and social way. ——Jacob van Rijs, founding partner of MVRDV
With the 2024 Summer Olympics taking place,Sports architecture has recently emerged as an important opportunity to promote health and social cohesion，Populous and Oualalou + Choi also recently released designs for the Grand Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca, Moroccothe stadium will become the largest football stadium in the world.
