Quzhou Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium and the centerpiece of the Quzhou Sports Park complex in Quzhou, Zhejiang, China. Designed by MAD Architects, it is celebrated for its innovative integration with natural landscapes and sustainable design, earning recognition as a landmark of "land art" that blurs the boundaries between architecture and nature.[1][2]
Constructed between 2018 and 2022 as part of the broader Quzhou Sports Park initiative, the stadium was inaugurated on October 22, 2021, during a multi-discipline athletic competition for Zhejiang Province.[2] The project was spearheaded by the Quzhou West District Development Committee and aimed to transform 700,000 square meters of undeveloped land into the world’s largest earth-sheltered complex.[3] With a total investment undisclosed in public sources.[4]
Design and architecture
The stadium’s design draws inspiration from Quzhou’s mountainous terrain and science fiction landscapes, creating a "volcanic crater" aesthetic.[2] Key features include:
Floating Canopy: A 250-meter-diameter PTFE membrane roof resembling a "halo" or "floating cloud," supported by nine pillars with a maximum span of 95 meters. The lower membrane features micro-perforations for acoustic optimization, while the upper layer is rain-resistant.[1][5]
Earth-Sheltered Structure: Over 60% of facilities, including parking and entryways, are built underground to minimize visual impact. Skylights and openings allow natural light into subterranean spaces.[6]
Concrete Columns: Sixty exposed wood-grained concrete walls blend interior and exterior spaces, providing structural support and aesthetic warmth.[1][4]
Landscape Integration: Sloped façades mimic nearby mountain ridges, encouraging visitors to climb the structure even when events are not occurring.[7]
Facilities
Seating: 30,000 seats arranged in undulating tiers, colored in green and white to mirror the surrounding landscape.[2]
Underground amenities: Parking for 3,000 vehicles, retail spaces, and training facilities.[5]
Accessibility: Ramps, elevators, and wheelchair-accessible seating.[1]
Technology: LED screens and integrated lighting systems embedded into the ceiling structure.[8]
Notable events
Inauguration Ceremony (2021): Hosted the Zhejiang Province athletic competition.[2]
Future Plans: The broader Quzhou Sports Park will include a 10,000-seat gymnasium, 2,000-seat natatorium, and science museum by 2025.[9]
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