Han Ximin

    CONSTRUCTION of one of the 2011 Universiade’s most iconic buildings, dubbed a “Spring Cocoon,” began in the city’s Nanshan District on Thursday.

    Mayor Xu Zongheng attended the ground-breaking ceremony.

    The 2-billion-yuan (US$286- million) Shenzhen Bay Sports Center will include a 20,000-square-meter stadium with 20,000 seats, a 25,000-square-meter gymnasium with 10,000 seats, a 35,000-square-meter swimming pool and a theme park with other sports facilities. Three events, soccer, table tennis and swimming, will be held at the center, a major subvenue of the Games.

    The center, covering an area of 30.74 hectares, will be completed by 2010. After the Games, the facilities will be open to the public.

    The project borders Binhai Thoroughfare to the north, Keyuan Road to the west, Shahe Road West to the east and the Shenzhen Bay to the south. The land plot is part of Nanshan’s central business district.

    The design of the sports center, which has been compared to Beijing’s Olympic showpiece National Stadium, was chosen from 52 submitted from around the world last year.

    Designed jointly by Japanese AXS Co. and Beijing Architecture Design Institute, it beat other contenders as it fulfilled the city government’s goal to create a new landmark for the city.

    “The design showed distinctive features in making full use of space by integrating the three major sports facilities under one roof, safety features separating vehicles and pedestrians, the use of energy-saving facilities, and good ventilation,” said designer Kang Xiaoli from Beijing Architecture Design Institute.

    “The highlight of the design is that people can see the beautiful Shenzhen Bay while they are sitting in the stadium,” said Kang. There is a 100-meter-wide opening in the stadium giving spectators a seaview. A lounge will also be built adjacent to the stadium, where people can enjoy food and relax.

    that the construction was a substantial step forward towards the universiade.