Nanjing Sports Park

The challenge was to create an iconic development for the Games that would also leave a legacy, a “People’s Place” and a new dynamic destination. The precinct should also reflect the historical and cultural significance of Nanjing. Furthermore, it was expected to become an integrated and harmonious part of the development of the new city, providing the highest level of public amenities and activity, to encourage people to go there any time of day.

Situated on a riverfront site, the sports buildings are grouped closely together with 35 percent of the precinct made up of park space. The sport buildings within the complex were designed concurrently which provided the opportunity to create a central theme across all buildings and implement a range of design efficiencies for the complex.

Access to the buildings is by an elevated podium linking the buildings together. This podium enables the park to be used as a recreational facility regardless of the events occurring in the buildings, allowing spectators to circulate between the facilities without needing to enter the park area.

This also enabled the separation of pedestrian and vehicular flow. The basements of each building are linked and servicing can be carried out for all buildings at the same time. This centralized servicing is particularly important when the precinct is hosting a major event.

The Nanjing Sports Park has become the model for future sports park developments throughout China. As modern high rise residential and commercial buildings continue to densify around it, the sports park has literally become the central core of a new city. With a modern and timeless design, it has all the elements required to achieve a critical mass, capable of sustaining independent city life combined with all the services and transport infrastructure required to make the “stadium city” thrive.

Since its opening, the main stadium has hosted regular football games as well as major events such as theatrical performances, while the swimming center is constantly full. An ice skating rink was built adjacent to the main gymnastics hall and other activities have also been included, like an outdoor beach, a golf driving range and a manmade lake.

The stadium also hosted the Opening and Closing ceremonies of the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympics, as well as all athletic events. Many of the other events during the 12 days of competition were held at other venues within the Park precinct.