MVRDV, in collaboration with Huayi Design, has won the design competition for Shenzhen Pingshan Sports Park, located in the eastern part of Shenzhen, China. This expansive sports park will feature a variety of facilities, including badminton and other competitive sports venues, a new China National Badminton Training Center, a National Fitness Center, and multiple public amenities.
The centerpiece of the project is its 100 badminton courts, which inspired the architectural design, particularly the roof shaped like the head of a badminton racket stretching 240 meters long.
The park’s layout is thoughtfully organized into distinct zones: the main venue, warm-up areas, and training facilities. These zones are connected by a public corridor forming a T-shaped space that serves as the heart of the complex.
At the intersection of this corridor lies a square called the “Sweet Spot,” named after the prime hitting area on a badminton racket. Below this public level, a basement houses sports science research facilities, providing athletes with private access between different parts of the complex.
A defining feature of Shenzhen Pingshan Sports Park is the badminton racket-shaped roof, equipped with photovoltaic panels to harness solar energy and fulfill the venue’s power needs. This sustainable design draws inspiration from the badminton racket’s netting pattern.
Rising above the main building is a 23-story cone-shaped tower that accommodates a hotel on the lower floors and temporary residences for athletes on the upper levels. Its strategic location facilitates easy access for sports facility users while maintaining privacy.
Beyond badminton, the complex will include additional sports venues such as basketball courts and football fields, offering diverse recreational options for the local community.
The National Fitness Center will feature more badminton courts and swimming facilities. Moreover, outdoor sports amenities have been creatively integrated beneath a nearby elevated bridge, including a skateboard park, mini basketball court, and running track, fostering an inclusive environment for athletes of all ages and skill levels.
“Considering the design of the complex, Pingshan Sports Park is set to become a landmark for all sports, and more importantly, a grand celebration of badminton,” said Jacob Van Rijges, founding partner of MVRDV. “By designing the ‘Sweet Spot’ area, we embraced this challenge with a concept that is both engaging and easy to understand. At the same time, we focused on delivering this complex efficiently, sustainably, and with social impact.”
With the 2024 Summer Olympics highlighting the importance of sports architecture, this field has become a key platform for promoting health and social cohesion. Recently, Populous and Oualalou+Choi unveiled their design for the Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, poised to be the largest football stadium in the world.
Project Drawings
△ Master Plan Floor Plan
△ Master Plan Floor Plan
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