Changsha International Conference Center | Architectural Design and Research Institution of SCUT

The Changsha International Conference Center is situated in Changsha City’s High-speed Railway New Town, offering a picturesque view of Changshanan Railway Station across the river. Adjacent to the Changsha International Convention and Exhibition Center to the south, the center covers an extensive land area of approximately 212,700 square meters with a gross floor area of roughly 170,000 square meters. The building spans approximately 300 meters from north to south, 150 meters from east to west, and reaches a height of 46.8 meters, boasting three above-ground floors and one underground floor.

The Changsha International Conference Center features 60 conference halls and rooms, accommodating up to 10,500 people. Notable features include a main venue with a column-free space of approximately 7,800 square meters, a roundtable conference hall spanning about 1,800 square meters, a banquet hall covering 3,400 square meters, and a roof garden extending over 6,000 square meters. As the largest conference center in central China, the Changsha International Conference Center is versatile and impressive, providing ample space for various events and gatherings.

Changsha International Conference Center’s Design Concept

The design concept of the Changsha International Conference Center revolves around embodying the rich and profound aspects of Chinese culture. Drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese aesthetics and abstract cultural symbols, the formal design strategically incorporates elements such as mountain contours, conventional sloped roofs, and the pattern of unfolded Chinese folding fans. This approach aims to comprehensively interpret the essence of Chinese culture, emphasizing the harmonious coexistence of human social civilization and the natural environment, as well as the unity of nature and man.

The design further seeks to inherit and develop the core values of Chinese traditional culture, reshaping the nation’s cultural confidence. Chinese culture and art prioritize three fundamental elements: form, soul, and qi (energy), emphasizing “qi” as the most significant. Ancient Chinese buildings’ axial sequences convey a sense of ritual and encapsulate the spiritual essence of Chinese culture, radiating grandeur.

To manifest these principles, a spatial sequence of “front square – waterscape – welcoming entrance – ceremonial square” is meticulously arranged at the west main entrance square of the Changsha International Conference Center. With an appropriate scale, these four nodes create a solemn and majestic atmosphere, providing visitors with a well-defined sense of order and showcasing the majestic style befitting a great nation. The design actively integrates these elements to portray the conference center as representing China’s cultural depth and confidence.

Green building diagram

The design inspiration for the Changsha International Conference Center’s facade draws from the techniques seen in Chinese landscape ink paintings and the dynamic scenes depicted in the local guqin masterpieces on the Xiao and Xiang Rivers. The facade replicates the shape of bamboo slips by incorporating metal folded plates adorned with vertical lines. Employing parametric design principles, the facade integrates 7,500 perforated metal panels that vary in lengths, widths, and densities, forming a 900-meter-long landscape painting-like skin.

Functional layout during government summits & business meetings

This design accentuates the distinct identity of Changsha, celebrated for its riverine landscape, set against the backdrop of the meandering Liuyang River. The angular perforated metal panels with vertical lines serve as sunshade components, reinforcing the metal plates’ rigidity while ensuring a clean and durable facade. This design choice prevents the accumulation of dust and dirt often associated with buildings featuring horizontal stripes, and it adapts well to Changsha’s rainy weather. On overcast days, the folding surface creates a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadows, evoking the aesthetics of ink-wash paintings.

Conceptual diagram – Cloud Academy

The conference center’s roof garden pays homage to the cultural significance of Yuelu Academy, a symbol of Chinese and Hunan cultures. The design incorporates a square courtyard surrounded by corridors, drawing inspiration from the “He Xi Tai” pavilion in front of Yuelu Academy. At the courtyard’s core stands a rest pavilion, culminating in a distinctive Cloud Academy. These design elements preserve the spirit and legacy of Yuelu Academy in nurturing talents, thus creating a visually stunning and symbolically rich architectural masterpiece.

Plan – 1st floor

The Changsha International Conference Center is central China’s largest multi-functional conference venue. Its unique design emphasizes a flexible layout that caters to various business meetings and government summits. This flexibility enhances its utilization rate and economic viability. The conference center has hosted numerous international events since its inception, which is crucial in boosting Changsha’s global connectivity and influence. Its exterior is designed according to Sponge City requirements and incorporates a green design approach.

Section A-A

The open-air parking lot is spacious and fulfills the outdoor parking and exhibition installation needs during conferences. On weekdays, it serves as a public park, contributing to the daily lives of Changsha citizens and activating the surrounding neighborhoods in the High-speed Railway New Town. The Changsha International Conference Center is a dynamic hub for local residents and global events, contributing to the city’s vibrancy.

Facade exteriors

Implementing forward-looking strategies, the Changsha International Conference Center actively shapes the city as a frontrunner in green construction tailored to the local climate. The project primarily relies on low-carbon and energy-saving principles, employing passive energy-saving techniques alongside a comprehensive green building strategy seamlessly integrating active and passive measures. The Changsha International Conference Center has devised a range of measures operating at three levels: reducing emissions, enhancing sink capacity, and exploring alternative approaches.

Conceptual diagram 01

The ultimate objective is to actively pursue a zero-carbon building design, markedly decreasing operational costs and meeting the stringent criteria set by the 2-star green building standards. Through these initiatives, the Changsha International Conference Center strives to establish itself as a sustainable and environmentally conscious landmark in the city.

Embracing an intensive layout, the Changsha International Conference Center prioritizes land conservation and the maximization of outdoor activity venues. With a remarkable 40% green space ratio and vertical greening on the roof garden, the site efficiently absorbs carbon emissions from various activities, effectively countering the urban heat island effect. The strategic planting of tall trees has significantly expanded shaded areas for activity venues, concurrently elevating the site’s carbon sink capacity.

Regarding building layout design, the Changsha International Conference Center adopts a proactive “layered zoning” strategy to minimize energy consumption during operations. The conference center is intelligently divided into several distinct areas, facilitating independent use based on specific requirements. Each location has its own air conditioning and lighting systems, allowing for individualized control and preventing resource wastage typically associated with large interconnected spaces. This approach actively contributes to the center’s energy efficiency and reinforces its commitment to sustainability.

The Changsha International Conference Center showcases a roof greening rate exceeding 75%, with a system to collect and recycle rainwater for outdoor purposes. Solar photovoltaic panels are installed on the roof, and the air conditioning and fresh air units are equipped with G4 primary air filters and electrostatic precipitators featuring ionic fans for effective air purification. A water-saving micro-sprinkling irrigation system has been implemented, and critical indoor and underground spaces are equipped with CO2 concentration detection systems.

Layered zoning

In terms of facade design, the Changsha International Conference Center features a breathable double-layer skin facade oriented from east to west. The high-performance sunshades, crafted from a combination of perforated metal panels and glass curtain walls, cover up to 70% of the external surface. The glass is ultra-clear insulating, incorporating an ionic membrane for explosion-proofing, energy efficiency, and safety. It boasts outstanding light transmittance, energy efficiency, and sound insulation capabilities. Additionally, the glass is integrated with self-cleaning nano-coating technology, actively contributing to the center’s commitment to environmental sustainability and safety.

Conceptual diagram

The Changsha International Conference Center represents a pivotal construction project in Hunan Province, capturing widespread attention and yielding significant social influence across various sectors. Officially inaugurated on October 30, 2020, it stands proudly as the largest conference center in Central China, meeting international two-star green building standards. As the permanent main venue for the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, it establishes a new platform for Hunan to develop the Pilot Zone of In-depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation.

Conceptual diagram 02

The Changsha International Conference Center actively contributes to Changsha’s vision of becoming a central hub for conferences and exhibitions in China, reinforcing the crucial leading role of the High-speed Railway Area where it is situated. Since its operational commencement, the center has efficiently hosted many international-level events, including the First BFA Global Economic Development and Security Forum, the Second China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, and the World Computer Conference.

As a large-scale modern public architecture, the Changsha International Conference Center is a landmark in both Changsha City and Hunan Province. It serves as a new emblem for the city, significantly elevating its identity and attractiveness. Beyond its symbolic significance, the center actively catalyzes commodity circulation, facilitates technical exchanges, fosters information communication, and promotes economic and trade cooperation. It is crucial in propelling city development and bolstering the local economy.

Project Info:
Architects: Architectural Design and Research Institution of SCUT
Area: 169464 m²
Year: 2020
Photographs: Li Yao
Manufacturers: KIBING, Meiyada, Mingdi
Lead Architects: Jingtang He, Jianfa Qiu, Yongzhen Wu
Landscape Design: CSC Landscape, Architectural Design & Research Institute of SCUT Co., Ltd., AECOM Guangzhou
Interior Design: Beijing Gangyuan Architectural Decoration Design Institute Co., Ltd.
Lighting Design: Grand Sight United Lighting Design Limited
Facade: Shenzhen Sanxin Facade Engineering Co., Ltd.,, Architectural Design & Research Institute of SCUT Co., Ltd., Beijing Jangho Curtain Wall System Engineering Co., Ltd.
Construction Drawings: PTLANSON ARCHITECTURE
Signage Design: XGX Design
City: Changsha
Country: China