Zaha Hadid Architects will design the new Hangzhou International Sports Centre, part of Hangzhou’s Future Science and Technology Cultural District. Hangzhou accommodates many of China’s largest technology companies and its population is growing. Because of that, the sports center aims to provide facilities for both grassroots players and professional athletes, including a 60,000-seat football stadium and practice pitches, a 19,000-seat indoor arena, as well as an aquatics center, with two 50-meter pools – suitable for competitions, training, and teaching at all levels from beginner to professionals and also divers and freedivers.

The design of the football stadium, the largest building within the complex, is inspired by the terraces of the tea plantations and is designed in accordance with FIFA’s international standards. The facade opens outwards with loopholes that shelter the various terraces, which house bars and restaurants and offer a panoramic view of the city. The materiality and details of these characteristic elements give the stadium a layered and geological appearance if seen closely; while from a distance the facade looks transparent.

The indoor arena operates independently from the stadium and in addition to hosting sporting events, it can also welcome music and cultural events.