Wings of science

Changsha, the capital of the Chinese province of Hunan, has a population of around 10 million. South of the city, next to the Xiangjiang River, the Xiangjiang Science City is to be built on a 1.57 sq.km site. In this context a competition was organised to propose ideas for both urban planning and the architecture of the individualbuildings. Six international design teams presented their designs in October. The design by schneider+schumacher was honoured with the “Excellence Award”.

In the “Wings of Science” design by schneider+schumacher, the International Conference Centre and the Exhibition Centre form the gateway to the Science City and thus link the Xiangjiang River with the central axis of the new area. The roofs of the two buildings share the same design language and fold rhythmically like open wings, creating a landmark for the city.

The International Conference Centre comprises a theatre-like hall, large enough to host 3,000 people at international conferences, as well as smaller and medium-sized venues – which can be flexibly combined and separated off for meetings and a wide variety of meeting scenarios. The exhibition centre – in the shape of a bouncing cube – acts as a showcase for Science City. It comprises various square-plan exhibition halls, which can be flexibly combined. Both buildings are arranged on a 10m high plinth, offering a viewing platform towards the river. The plinth base also houses services and support facilities.

The Science Experience Centre is located south-west of the conference and exhibition centre. With scientific exhibition rooms, lecture halls, shops, restaurants and a domed theatre, it is designed to offer a futuristic science experience. A conference and business hotel completes the Science City.