MAD Architecture has unveiled the design for the permanent venue of the Zhongguancun Forum, which is currently under construction in Beijing.
Since 2007, the Zhongguancun Forum has focused on the theme of “Innovation and Development,” bringing together domestic and international scientists, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders to exchange ideas and discuss innovation each year. Over more than a decade, it has grown into a prestigious global forum for scientific and technological innovation, serving as a national platform for high-tech innovation exchange and international cooperation.
The permanent venue is located in the heart of Zhongguancun in Beijing’s Haidian District, near landmarks such as Yuquan Mountain, the Summer Palace, Yuanmingyuan, Peking University, and Tsinghua University. The site spans 5.9 hectares.
The “Three Mountains and Five Gardens” region holds significant cultural and historical value in modern China, representing a harmonious blend of nature and architecture that has influenced Beijing throughout the modern era. The permanent venue aims to play a key role in this area by integrating multiple dimensions:
- Technological: Showcasing innovation through an open and imaginative spatial design.
- Cultural: Respecting and reflecting the unique historical and natural context with humility.
- Environmental: Creating a new urban public space that is accessible and enjoyable for the community.
The building’s form extends gently from north to south, blending into the cityscape. Facing the distant Three Mountains, the structure is discreetly integrated with the urban environment. Its green roof merges seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape, serving as an urban green extension and a rare cityscape feature.
From a closer perspective facing the city, the buildings align along main city traffic arteries from south to north. The southeast corner features forest and water elements that create a natural buffer, separating the entrance from the busy urban environment and enhancing the sense of arrival. The roof edges are lined with dense white louvers that illuminate softly at night, transforming the building’s façade into flowing light ribbons. This dynamic lighting softens the typically rigid and formal appearance of a conference center, achieving a harmonious balance between movement and stillness. The glass curtain walls act as an urban interface, broadening the connection between the building and the city.
MAD aims to foster the energy and creativity sparked by innovative ideas through a minimalist and pure interior atmosphere. The spacious indoor area is illuminated by two large skylights that allow natural sunlight to fill the space, creating an open and bright environment.
Beyond its conference function, the venue’s cantilevered roof, outdoor design, and landscaping create extensive pleasant gray spaces that connect with nature and invite public use. A historic ancient tree on the northeast side is preserved and integrated as the centerpiece of a sunken courtyard with stair seating. Additionally, the southeast and southwest corners connect to sunken courtyards at the building’s basement level, enhancing outdoor accessibility and interaction.
Construction of the Zhongguancun Forum permanent venue is progressing steadily.
Project Drawings
△ Perspective view
△ Elevation drawing
△ Elevation drawing
△ Structural analysis diagram
Project Information
Type: Conference Center
Floor Area: 59,099 square meters
Building Area: 64,998 square meters (20,000 sqm above ground, 44,998 sqm underground)
Lead Partners: Ma Yansong, Party Masses, Yokosuke Hayano
Vice Chief Partner: Fu Changrui
Design Team (Implementation Plan): Zhou Rui, Zhuang Fan, Hu Jinchang, Liu Yiqing, Xue Yawen, Edgar Navarrete, Cheng Xiangju, Pan Anyi
Design Team (Competition): Li Jian, Wang Shuobin, Wu Qiaoling, Yang Xuebing, Alan Rodriguez Carrillo, Xiao Yuhan, Zhang Tong, Li Cunhao, Rozita Kashirtseva
Owner: Zhongjie (Beijing) Development and Construction Co., Ltd.
Grade A Design Institute: Beijing Architectural Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd.
Curtain Wall Consultant: Yinghaite Engineering Consulting (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Interior Consultant: Beijing Jianyuan Decoration Engineering Design Co., Ltd.
Landscape Consultant: Guangzhou Shanshui Bide Design Co., Ltd.
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