MVRDV + Zhubo Architecture Design appointed for new Shenzhen sports and cultural center

In one of their latest competition wins, MVRDV along with Zhubo Architecture Design will be in charge of designing the Shenzhen-based Xili Sports and Cultural Centre. As sports and fitness centers rapidly sprout up throughout Shenzhen, the 105,000m2 Xili scheme comprises of four buildings for various athletic activities, where anyone of any age – sports-minded or not — can enjoy themselves. Although the complex is mainly for sports, it'll have room to host various social and cultural events. If all goes according to plan, the Xili Sports and Cultural Center will be MVRDV's first built project in Shenzhen.

Without a doubt, MVRDV is as busy as ever. Recently moving into a new office space in Rotterdam, some of their latest projects include the studded Ragnarock museum in Roskilde designed with COBE, an upcoming masterplan for the Hamburg Innovation Port, and another sport-centric project: The Couch for IJburg Tennis Club.

Check out their Xili proposal below.

“There are many of these types of buildings being built in Shenzhen in a short time, which is an amazing phenomenon in itself, so the idea was to make a collection of atmospheres in this centre so that they can be distinguished from each other, ” MVRDV founding partner Jacob van Rijs says. “We wanted to combine a large-scale sports stadium with a social aspect connecting it with the community. This was achieved by arranging different volumes on the site around a new diagonal (green) bridge linking the Chaguang metro station in the south, with the Tanglan mountains in the north, making this centre a stage for different users — nature, sports and culture.”

The complex will be located in a residential area in Shenzhen’s Dasha Green corridor. Visitors can explore the 105,000m2 site has an elevated running track that weaves through the entire complex. Designed with distinctive identities, the four main buildings each have their own activated rooftop that is open to the public year-round. 

The 20,000m2 theater, which includes a lobby and circulation space, also has a stepped-green roof that can be used as an amphitheater or outdoor cinema. 

Described by the architects as a “buzzing beehive” for different athletic activities, the 10,000m2 multi-functional arena has multiple levels that each have a certain theme, with a running track that circles around the various courts — including volleyball, table tennis, a general-use sports hall, and a small soccer field.

The 15,000m2 Basketball-Badminton arena includes a main basketball court above the main venue where big matches will be hosted. This building also includes a ground-level plaza + lobby, locker/dressing rooms, and a second basketball venue, which will be surrounded by a mezzanine for badminton, fitness spaces, and a sports bar. 

Last but not least, the swimming pool is inside a 6,000m2 building that includes amenities, dressing rooms, and “wellness areas”.

The project is currently scheduled to begin construction in 2017.

All images courtesy of MVRDV.