tvsdesign celebrates opening of Ningxia International Conference Center

YINCHUAN, China - The Ningxia International Conference Center is now open in Yinchuan, the capital city of Northwest China's Ningxia province. The 700,000 square-foot facility is the new home of the China-Arab States Economic and Trade Forum.

"The architecture of this conference center was inspired by ancient Chinese metaphors and strong Islamic artistic patterns, harmoniously merging elements of both cultures," says tvsdesign design principal Rob O'Keefe. "We designed the facility around a central outdoor courtyard, an element that becomes the facility's epicenter, where people will meet, share knowledge and develop new ideas."

The project's most notable design element is a unifying and dynamic steel shell that was created by stitching together a circle and a square. These pure geometries have had significant influence throughout history in both Chinese and Muslim cultures. Architects at tvsdesign worked diligently with the Arup structural engineering group to develop the unique screen structure, which consists of more than 30,000 individual structural framing members.

This sophisticated, dynamic shell enclosure creates a modern interpretation of ancient design practices of cathedrals and mosques. In addition to aesthetic appeal, the complex's facade also protects it from the desert sun and filters the strong daylight to reduce heat.

"It's a great honor for tvsdesign to be able to practice in such a rich cultural and historical context," says Kevin Gordon, AIA LEED AP, principal in charge with tvsdesign. The Ningxia International Conference Center will serve as an iconic symbol of cooperation between China and its neighboring Arab States. The harmonious representation of both cultures will produce an elegant, world-class facility that the China-Arab States Economic and Trade Forum will be able to proudly call home.

"The opening of Ningxia International Conference Center timely interacts with the starting moment of China to revitalize the ancient 'silk road' which connects the trading route between China and Arabic countries and Europe." said Yaomin Xue, director of Asian business development for tvsdesign. "This is another major convention center project in China tvsdesign designed after the Nanjing International Expo Center and Tianjin Meijiang Convention Center which is used for Davos World Economic Forum."

Besides convention centers, tvsdesign's China portfolio includes Galaxy Mall in Tianjin Culture Center and the Aquarium of Wanda Cultural Tourism City in Nanchang.

sourced:traveldailynews.asia