Emergent Architecture Unveils Crystalline, Solar-Powered Sports Center for China

<a href="http://www.emergentarchitecture.com/projects.php?id=33" target="_self">EMERGENT Architecture</a> has unveiled a colossal solar-powered <a href="http://inhabitat.com/new-zealands-eden-park-renovated-for-2011-rugby-world-cup/?isalt=0" target="_blank">sports complex</a> for Shenyang’s 2013 <a href="http://www.chinasportsreview.com/2009/10/14/whats-with-chinas-national-games/" target="_blank">National Games</a> China. The massive complex features a stunning crystalline roof and is designed to link the city to Sehnyang Park. The complex measures over 400,00 square feet and includes a civic recreation center, a swimming arena, soccer fields, basketball, tennis, badminton, and volleyball courts and open park spaces.

The complex will make extensive use of solar power through the installation of photovoltaic panels on all of its <a href="http://inhabitat.com/amazing-green-roof-art-school-in-singapore/" target="_blank">roof</a> surfaces. In addition, Wiscombe has designed a gorgeous transparent window system based on the formation of crystal patterns in nature. The windows bend and refract light like real crystals, creating an amorphous glow from the outside.

The bubbly windows spanning the entire building are fabricated from <a href="http://inhabitat.com/remistudios-massive-ark-building-can-save-residents-from-flood/?isalt=0" target="_blank">ETFE plastic</a>, which is remarkably lightweight and can be layered to reduce heating in the summer, and heat-loss in the winter.

The complex measures over 400,00 square feet and includes a civic recreation center, a swimming arena, soccer fields, basketball, tennis, badminton, and volleyball courts and open park like spaces. These various facilities unfold at various levels between Shenyang Park and the surrounding downtown cityscape.

e "National Games Arena" area of the complex is reachable via several bridges from other areas of the complex, and half of the 4,000 seats are removable -- which means it can be flexible to house anything from conferences to concerts.

he master plan aims to emulate a community center through the addition of galleries, restaurants and shops that appeal to the general public -- not just sports players and fans.

EMERGENT’s design successfully creates an artificial landscape for sports while also creating an iconic jewel-like building that proudly represents the National Games.