Project Overview
The Nanjing Youth Olympic Center is situated on the north side of Jiangshan Avenue in Jianye District, Nanjing, adjacent to the Nanjing International Expo Center. This project includes the public spaces and multifunctional halls spanning the 1st to 6th floors of the conference center, as well as both indoor and outdoor glass curtain wall installations.
Rendering of the Grand Conference Hall
The Nanjing Youth Olympic Conference Center was designed by the world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. As the chief designer, Hadid is known for her masterful use of curves to articulate design concepts, creating three-dimensional spaces that evoke science fiction and dynamic movement. Her designs famously avoid flat surfaces, which introduces significant challenges during construction.
Unlike traditional rectangular buildings, this conference center’s spaceship-like form and flowing lines make a striking visual statement. Covering an area of 40,000 square meters with a total construction footprint of 194,000 square meters, the center comprises six above-ground floors and two underground levels. Key facilities include a grand conference hall with 2,181 seats and a multifunctional music hall seating 505. The venue is designed to host conferences, forums, large-scale events, theatrical performances, and musical concerts. To meet the unique construction demands, innovative technologies have been employed, departing from conventional building methods.
Given the complexity of the design and construction challenges, a 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) approach was essential prior to construction. The BIM model allows for detailed examination of every component, including appearance, bolt placements, angles, and dimensions. Due to design constraints, pipeline installation was also pre-planned within the BIM model to ensure construction quality and minimize on-site modifications.
Innovative 3D Solid Layout Method: Measuring Complex Spaces
The conference center’s structural framework consists entirely of large-span steel trusses. Traditional measurement techniques struggle to capture accurate on-site dimensions, often requiring excessive time and labor, with non-negligible errors.
To address this, the project team independently developed a 3D solid layout method. This technique establishes a dedicated three-dimensional coordinate system on-site using total station point conversions, anchored by a fixed reference origin. All subsequent layout work is based on this benchmark, minimizing the need for coordinate conversions and enhancing accuracy. Since repeated conversions can degrade precision and require multiple verifications, this method significantly improves reliability.
By integrating total stations, 3D scanners, and BIM software, the team overcame traditional layout challenges in complex spatial environments. This method not only saves considerable construction time but also increases layout accuracy, representing an industry-leading solution for extremely large and intricate spaces.
Coordinated Construction with BIM Clash Detection
Various construction teams involved in the project completed their respective tasks independently, with limited data sharing across units. This lack of coordination often leads to spatial conflicts during actual construction.
To prevent this, the project team utilized BIM collision detection technology, integrating models from different contractors. This approach reduces redundant work and labor costs by identifying and resolving clashes early in the design phase. BIM’s multidisciplinary data coordination and sharing capabilities enable effective clash testing, ensuring smoother construction progress.
3D Scanning Ensures Installation Quality
Most of the free-form GRG (glass fiber reinforced gypsum board) elements, except for some flat panels and wall stones in public areas, cannot be accurately inspected for deviations using traditional methods.
The project team segmented the work area and established an independent grid system. Each 3D component model was organized and CNC-carved into wooden templates. These segmented models and layout drawings were then sent for backend processing. Every component was scanned and verified for quality before packaging and delivery to the site.
On-site, the wooden templates were positioned using total stations as precise reference frameworks. Free-form GRG panels were installed directly into these predefined limits. This one-to-one measurement and the use of total station scanning during fabrication eliminated the need for on-site re-cutting, ensuring high-quality installation.
Thanks to the masterful design, top-tier construction, and the comprehensive, fast, and precise support of BIM technology, the Nanjing Youth Olympic Conference Center was successfully completed before the Youth Olympic Games. This irregularly shaped building, located at the intersection of Yangtze River Avenue and Jiangshan Street in Hexi, offers a powerful visual impact with its spaceship resemblance. Its smooth, flowing lines and dreamy aesthetic create a dynamic, modern landmark for Nanjing’s Hexi district.
Author: Golden Mantis Architectural Decoration Co., Ltd Liu Ning
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