Jianyang Sports and Cultural Complex by CSWADI – Chengdu’s Landmark Multi-Functional Venue

The Jianyang Sports and Cultural Complex, designed by CSWADI, is a monumental multi-functional venue in Chengdu, China, crafted to host prestigious international events including the World Games and the Universiade. Covering an expansive area of approximately 420,000 square meters, the complex integrates eight sports venues, three cultural centers, two parks, one residential facility, and a grand theater, establishing a new urban landmark that reflects both functionality and cultural depth.

A Vision of the “Park City”

Guided by the philosophy of a “park city”, the design emphasizes ecological integration, multifunctionality, and urban vitality. The complex introduces a three-dimensional park concept, featuring multi-level greenways that connect seamlessly with the Tuojiang River and Aoshan Park, creating a continuous and immersive urban-natural landscape interface. The dual-loop nested green structure, which includes a 150-mu core green area and an 80-mu ring-shaped landscape belt, integrates radial corridors into the 450-mu central sports park, offering an expansive and accessible public green space.

Innovative Spatial Design and Flexibility

At the heart of the complex lies a 6-meter-high aerial vitality loop, acting as the main spatial axis linking the northern and southern zones. This elevated structure maximizes ground-level public accessibility, encouraging activity and engagement. The design is highly adaptable, allowing the venue to transition seamlessly from hosting international sporting events to functioning as commercial, cultural, and community spaces, ensuring sustainable and long-term operational efficiency.

Cultural Identity through Modern Architecture

The complex’s facade design celebrates Sichuan’s intangible cultural heritage, incorporating elements like folded fan lanterns and bamboo-woven porcelain, reinterpreted through parametric design into a modern intelligent skin system that optimizes natural lighting and sun shading. The landscape design evokes the Western Sichuan Linpan forest groves, blending water features, greenery, and sports fields to create a spatial experience rich in regional symbolism and philosophical depth.

A Community-Oriented Landmark

Beyond international events, the Jianyang Sports and Cultural Complex serves as a vibrant hub for the daily cultural and sports life of Chengdu’s citizens, reflecting the city’s vision of a “park city” and expressing the cultural confidence of Sichuan charm and Shu elegance. This project exemplifies the perfect fusion of architecture, landscape, and urban culture, offering an inspiring model for multifunctional public spaces worldwide.