The global design practice, Populous, is celebrating the success of its second major sports hub in China after it was selected to design a new sports park in the historic city of Datong, in the northern Shanxi Province, near Beijing.

The sports park which includes a 30,000 seat stadium, an 8,000 seat arena, a 1,500 seat natatorium and a multi-use training hall, is part of a larger plan by the Datong Mayor to regenerate the historic old city and create a new city centre with other development including a city hall, museum, and convention centre.

The win for Populous, which has its Asian base in Queensland, comes as its first sports park in Nanjing celebrates five years of successful operation. Populous won an IOC/IAKS Gold Award for the design of Nanjing, built for the 2005 China National Games, and the catalyst for a major city centre development.

The Sports Park in Datong will provide work for 10 professional staff in Populous' Brisbane office. The firm's Senior Principal Paul Henry said the win reflected Populous' future strategy in Asia.

"Our strategy in China as elsewhere in Asia hinges on producing world class design in the Queensland office, and investing in the development of long term client relationships. China recognizes the value sporting venues have as gathering places for modern communities yet, which also reflect the unique qualities of each particular city."

Populous Senior Associate Ron Van Sluijs says the inspiration for the unique design in Datong has come from the surrounding Yungang Grottoes or Cloud Ridge Caves,

"These shallow caves just out of Datong are symbolic of the rich cultural heritage of the region, which has evolved over several thousand years. The visitor approach and entry to the stadium also reflects the ethnic diversity of the city, and the sandstone bases clad in a series of irregular titanium shells, draw a parallel with the nearby caves, creating another iconic symbol for Datong. The Datong Sports Park provided the opportunity to celebrate a number of strong, unique features in the city's history and cultural character combined with the more humanistic ideals and ambitions embodied in the design of modern sports parks."

 

For further information please contact
Bindi Perkins/Michele Fleming at Populous (Brisbane)
Telephone +61 (0)7 3839 9155
Facsimilie +61 (0)7 3839 9188
 
Email media@populous.com

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