Scheme in Zhengzhou contains 16 exhibition halls, a conference centre and a hotel
RSHP has completed a colossal convention centre complex in China that spans nearly 700,000sq m, larger than 64 full-size football pitches.
The Central China International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Zhengzhou contains 16 separate exhibition halls leading off a central corridor, a conference centre and a 275-room hotel, all connected by a 1.7km-long elevated walkway.
Announced in August 2024, the project was completed using modular construction approaches on an “exceptionally demanding” timeline, according to RSHP, with much of the steelwork welded on site.
The design has been inspired by the region’s heritage, drawing from the local landscape including the Yellow River and Song Mountain to inform a series of sweeping canopy roofs.
Its exhibition halls are supported on a structural system of cantilevered wing-arched roof canopies which intersect along the central spine, forming a continuous “mega-arch” structure which minimises points of contact with the ground.
RSHP director Richard Paul said: “This was an immensely ambitious project – vast in scale and delivered within a limited timeframe – which demanded a design that emphasises modularity, standardisation, and the use of cutting-edge technology and resulting in a series of buildings that are distinctive, efficient, and joyful”.
The Administrative Committee of the Zhengzhou Airport Economic Zone (ZAEZ) described the scheme as a “truly outstanding and unique architectural solution [that] perfectly responds to our demanding brief”.
“From the first sketch to final handover, the design team brought vision, precision, and genuine attention to every stage of the delivery process,” The ZAEZ committee said.
“Every detail, from the natural light in the main concourse to the seamless flow between the main halls, feels intentionally and beautifully executed.”
Henan Airport Construction & Development Co Ltd added: “The extraordinary imagination of the RSHP design team has perfectly brought to life a dynamic, fashionable, sci-fi next-generation Convention Centre.
“Its robust steel structure carries an air of graceful lightness, delivering an immersive spatial experience that stands as a miracle in the Central China exhibition history. Tens of thousands of builders, working tirelessly through days and nights, altogether turned the impossible into reality.”
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