Universiade Sports Center / GMP Architekten / The Superslice

Hamburg-based practice, GMP Architekten has completed Universiade Sports Center located in Shenzen, China. Three crystalline buildings are nestled within an undulating landscape interconnected with pathways bordered with lakes. The facilities are purposed to host the 26th Summer World University Games 2011, the second largest international event next to the Summer Olympics. Positioned at the foot of Mount Tong Gu Ling, the complex contains a stadium, multifunctional hall and swimming pool. after the sporting series, the area will be converted into leisure and recreation center for the community.

The varied topography encompasses the buildings which reach a maximum of 150 meters, accessible to the public via ground level and elevated pathways. Within the extensive landscape are traditional Chinese garden elements representing movement, continuity and stability. Streams and native plants surround the crystalline structures simulating the presence of stones.

via designboom

photography by Christian Gahl