Haikou Wuyuan River Sports Park

With the Wuyuanhe Stadium, the Chinese holiday island of Hainan has gained its first large sports venue. The arena, with more than 41,000 seats, is considered a key part in the implementation of the masterplan for a culture and sports center in the capital, Haikou. The building, which is located close to the South China Sea, reflects the special local conditions of the landscape in that its height reduces from the west to the east. A maximum number of seats has been placed on the western tier, which faces the ocean. The shape of the arena not only allows an impressive view, but also provides natural shading and ventilation. The structural elements of the stadium must withstand extreme weather conditions, including typhoons. In cooperation with the engineers of schlaich bergermann partner, gmp developed a crescent-shaped membrane roof that covers the western tier. The facade has been designed to encourage diffusion, and thereby ensures good comfort levels also during hot and humid weather conditions. The Wuyuanhe Stadium meets the 2-star conditions for buildings constructed to sustainable environmental standards in China.