Zhuhai North Area Water Purification Plant Phase II and High-Tech Zone Sports Centre | Zhuhai, China | 2022

Architects: Aedas
Lead Architects: Keith Griffiths and Fiona Chen
Associate Architects: Southwest Municipal Engineering Design & Research Institute of China
General Contractor: China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Group Co., Ltd.
Client: Zhuhai Huaxin Development and Construction Co., Ltd.
Images: Aedas

The project is located in the High-tech Zone of Zhuhai, China. Responding to a growing urban density and a shortage of land resources in this seafront city, the design innovatively incorporates above-ground public facilities with an underground water treatment plant in a vertical layout. It is the very first case of such a hybrid typology in China. Above-ground facilities include an enterprise service center, bus terminal, treatment plant management office, and a sports center.

Different design strategies are applied to make this typology possible. For example, a highly efficient and consistent structural system is used to accommodate the diverse programs above ground and underground. The above-ground sports center can house a maximum of 4600 spectators, offering 3100 seats at the gymnasium as well as 1500 seats at the aquatic center. With a standard basketball court, a standard 50x21m swimming pool, and a 25x21m training pool, the sports center will not only fulfill the recreational needs of citizens but also serve as an ideal venue for sports training and events. Upon its completion, it is expected to be a benchmark for Zhuhai's infrastructure development and environmental improvement.