Chinese University of Hong Kong Arena, From the architect: “This proposal for a university sports complex is part of a larger masterplan and architectural design competition for the Chinese University of Hong Kong in Shenzhen. The program includes classrooms, labs, dorms, faculty housing, administration, amenities, and sports functions. The building is more than a sports venue; it is an idea about social space and multi-functionality for the 21st century university culture.
Courtesy of Tom Wiscombe Design
”The proposed arena is made up of a volume with sharp surfaces peeling away from it to create an ambiguous threshold between the exterior environment and interior space similar to Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House. By drawing comparisons with the iconic house, Wiscombe’s structure also denies the ground condition by having it connect very subtly by setting the base of the building back so it is not seen by the user.
Courtesy of Tom Wiscombe Design
Composite materials form the patterned panels of the edifice allowing for large pieces to be built without compromising the form. Within the applied surface pattern of the building are solar thin film technology which explores the new technological methods of sustainability without compromising appearance.
Courtesy of Tom Wiscombe Design
Tom Wiscombe describes the building as “simultaneously an object that contains its own context and a contextual object. It rests in the site as a bird in a nest, loosely, and without ever fusing together.” Placed atop a platform, the user enters by processing up a series of imposing steps. The interior serves as an indoor arena able to house 3,000 fixed seats with a flexible program able to function as an indoor soccer court to a gathering place. Exterior space allows for restaurants .
Project info:
Architects: Tom Wiscombe Design
Country: China, Shenzhen
Year: 2011
Photographs: Courtesy of Tom Wiscombe Design
Area: 9,510 SM
Client: Chinese University of Hong Kong
Principal: Tom Wiscombe, AIA
Design Architect: TWA, Los Angeles
Masterplanner: Thom Mayne/ Morphosis
JV Team: Mack Scogin/ Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects, Neil Denari/ NMDA, Brendan Macfarlane/ Jacob+Macfarlane/ John Enright/ Griffin Enright
Structural/ MEP: ARUP Consulting Engineers
Anastasia Andreieva is an accomplished Architectural Projects Editor at Arch2O, bringing a unique blend of linguistic expertise and design enthusiasm to the team. Born and raised in Ukraine, she holds a Master’s degree in Languages from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Her deep passion for architecture and visual storytelling led her to transition from translation and editorial roles into the world of design media. With a keen eye for conceptual clarity and narrative structure, Anastasia curates and presents global architectural projects with precision and flair. She is particularly drawn to parametric and digital design, cultural context, and emerging voices in architecture. When I’m not analyzing the latest architectural trends, you’ll probably find me searching for hidden gems in cityscapes or appreciating the beauty of well-crafted spaces. After all, great design—like great connections—can be found in the most unexpected places. Speaking of connections, because architecture isn’t the only thing that brings people together.