2023 Asian Games hybrid stadium is inspired by ancient Chinese artifact

The international firm Archi-Tectonics has designed as the centerpiece of this year’s Asian Games, which is being held these days in Hangzhou, China, a 5,000-seat hybrid stadium, which can be converted after the sporting event.

The structure, of 35 thousand square meters, is located at the southern end of the entrance to the park and is accessed via two curved bridges. In the future, it aims to become a social attractor, able to host and generate new socio-cultural activities, with sporting events but also shows, concerts, and other major events.

Through parametric design, Archi-Tectonics has created a hybrid geometry: two ellipses that intersect with overlapping spaces that allow fluid connections within the building. This led to a highly adaptable set of volumes. Also, from a symbolic point of view, the hybrid takes up the intersected geometry of the cong, an ancient jade artifact with a circular section inside and a square section outside. These objects are thought to have been used during religious rites, but their function remains unknown.