gmp International GmbH

Kunshan Olympic Sports Center

Kunshan Olympic Sports Center 

gmp Architects

Kunshan Olympic Sports Center
© CreatAR Images

ARCHITECTS
Gmp Architects

CLIENTS
Kunshan Zhuoyue Sports Culture Development Co., Ltd.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
Schlaich Bergermann Partner (Sbp)

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Wes Landschaftsarchitektur

SERVICES ENGINEERING (HVAC)
Hvacr Wsp

TRANSPORT CONSULTANTS
Ccdi

DESIGN
Meinhard Von Gerkan And Nikolaus Goetze With Magdalene Weiss

PROJECT LEAD, DETAILED DESIGN
Yan Lyuji, Zhao Mengtong

PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Cai Lei

DETAILED DESIGN TEAM
Chen Guanxing, Lu Shen, Xu Xufeng, Dong Suhong, Fan Jie, Li Jiangtao

PARTNER PRACTICE
Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Co., Ltd., Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Co., Ltd.

FACADE CONSULTANTS
Sup Ingenieure

SPORTS CONSULTANT
Cistsports

PHOTOGRAPHS
Creatar Images

NO OF SEATS
45,000

AREA
130000 M²

COMMISSIONED
2019

YEAR
2025

LOCATION
Kunshan, China

CATEGORY
Football Stadium

Kunshan Olympic Sports Center
© CreatAR Images

Text description provided by architect.

With the opening match of the Chinese FA Super Cup, the new Football Stadium in Kunshan was officially inaugurated on February 7. More than 30,000 fans gathered for the local derby between Shanghai Shenhua and Shanghai Port.

In a thrilling finale, Shanghai Shenhua secured victory with two goals in the last three minutes, successfully defending their Super Cup title — bringing the first major soccer event in the new arena to a fitting conclusion.

The stadium, named Kunshan Olympic Sports Center, was designed by the architects von Gerkan, Marg, and Partners (gmp) in collaboration with the Architectural Design and Research Institute of Tongji University.

Kunshan Olympic Sports Center
© CreatAR Images
Kunshan Olympic Sports Center
© CreatAR Images

With a capacity of 45,000 seats, the arena meets FIFA Category 1 standards as a very large professional football venue, making it suitable for major international competitions.

The stadium's oval shape is formed by 36 sturdy double frames made of in-situ concrete, spanned by intricate lattice steel trusses. This elegant, sculptural structure was developed in collaboration with Schleich Bergmann's partner (sbp).

Kunshan Olympic Sports Center
© CreatAR Images
Kunshan Olympic Sports Center
© CreatAR Images

Translucent membranes are stretched between the double frames, allowing natural light to enter while also serving as both the facade and roof covering.

With an area of approximately 600 square meters per membrane element, it is the largest single-layer membrane structure in China.

An external bridge system ensures quick and seamless access: Wide staircases lead spectators to a surrounding podium, from which 48 bridges provide access to both the upper and lower seating tiers.

Kunshan Olympic Sports Center
© CreatAR Images
Kunshan Olympic Sports Center
© CreatAR Images

The efficiency of this crowd management system was successfully demonstrated during the opening match.

In addition to hosting major sporting events, the stadium serves as a multifunctional center for sports, culture, and recreation. It is seamlessly integrated into an existing park.

In collaboration with WES Landschafts Architektur, the entire site has been transformed into an expansive recreational area and a vibrant gathering place for the surrounding residential communities.

Kunshan Olympic Sports Center
© CreatAR Images
Kunshan Olympic Sports Center
© CreatAR Images

Radiating pathways lead from the arena to adjoining sports and leisure facilities, shops, and restaurants. A watercourse runs through the entire park and connects the landscape and the arena.


Kunshan Olympic Sports Center
Plan - Ground floor 1:2000
Kunshan Olympic Sports Center
Plan - 3rd floor 1:1250


Kunshan Olympic Sports Center
Section 1:1250
Kunshan Olympic Sports Center
Plan - Site 1:3000

gmp International GmbH
T +49 40 881510
gmp International GmbH
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