BIM project: The Nanjing International Youth Cultural Centre by Zaha Hadid
Zaha Hadid-designed Nanjing International Youth Cultural Centre is a great example of large-scale BIM project that is part of the city’s redevelopment plans
The International Youth Cultural Centre is a BIM project constructed in only 34 months using Zaha Hadid’s experience and expertise in 3D digital BIM design that opened in Nanjing, China, for the 2014 Olympic Youth Games and was completed in 2018.
The construction floor plan covers an area of over 465,000 m² including:
- two hotels of 136.000 m²
- a 106.000 m² cultural center
- several offices covering an area of over 122.000 m²
- a 100.000 m² underground car park.
The International Cultural Centre of Nanjing is located near the Yangtzer River in the Hexi New Town district, a development area for Nanjing’s international business and finance companies. The project includes two towers and a cultural centre, surrounded by a large square overlooking the riverfront.
The general urban plan of the area tries to connect the urban environment, the river park and the rural landscapes of the Jiangxinzhou island, that is located in the middle of the river, also connecting them via a pedestrian bridge.
The tallest of the two towers is 315 meters high with 68 floors and hosts the Jumeirah Hotel, a super-luxury hotel that has an infinity swimming pool on the top floor with a breathtaking view of the city of Nanjing.
The shorter tower, on the other hand, is 255 meters high and houses an additional 4-star hotel.
The two towers are built on a five-level mixed-use podium that houses the real Cultural Centre.
The cultural centre at the base of the Zaha Hadid project consists of a conference room, an auditorium, a multifunctional hall and a guest area that develops around a central courtyard.
The Conference Hall can accommodate 2,100 people and is equipped with a multi-purpose stage and a proscenium suitable for conferences, cultural and theatrical events. The Auditorium can accommodate up to 500 people and is optimized for both classical / orchestral performances and for shows using modern audio equipment.
The project carried out by Zaha Hadid Architects using BIM methodology follows what was the original style and philosophy of the Iraqi archistar.
