Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners gets the bid for new mile-long Zhengzhou convention complex

A new commission for a convention center design near the Zhengzhou Airport in China has been awarded to Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP). 

The Zhongyuan International Convention and Conference Centre complex will include the Phase 2 Convention Centre design, a separate Conference Centre, and a hotel component. A floor plane slightly larger than a mile connects the different spaces in the program like a central spine.

The upper level includes the three new constructions, with dining options and public spaces spread throughout the lower level. The Convention Centre, the largest building on site, contains 16 exhibition halls with net areas totaling 12,500 square meters (about 135,000 square feet).

RSHP partner Richard Paul says their goal for the project is to deliver a "transformative experience for all who visit."

The footprint of Phase II Convention Centre covers an area of 925 acres, with a total construction area of 527,000 square meters (5.7 million square feet). The Conference Centre and Hotel complex combined cover an area of 122 acres, with a total construction area of 200,000 square meters (2.2 million square feet).

RSHP says the design "emphasizes pedestrian-friendliness and public realm, with two levels of the central spine creating separated circulation routes for fast and slow pedestrian traffic, splitting the flows for viewing exhibits and other activities such as dining and shopping."

The Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Co. is included as a project partner. RSHP is aiming for a China Green Building rating on the project. No timelines for its construction have been made public at this time.