The main entry of the Building is located both towards Wanghua South Street and the new University development planned to the South. The Lobby is a grand public space which can serve both as a foyer and circulation space as well as a space for events. A grand stair leads people up from ground level to the mezzanine level where they can enter the arena through four separate entrances. Bridges connect the mezzanine level to three special functions in the building located in three volumetric spaces. The volumes house a Banquet Hall, a Spa, and a VIP Lounge. Openings in these volumes allow for views out to the University and the city.
The exterior skin of the building is created by tucking the volumes between the skins of the Arena box. Their curvilinearity blends into the box geometry, as if pushing through a rubber sheet. The interior surface of the Lobby similarly blends the shapes of the volumes into the interior walls and ceilings.
The figural cuts in the building envelope create a lively, three dimensional topography which opens the building up to the city of Shenyang. Gradients of solar panels, tied to inflections in the soft skin, add to the formal coherence of the building but also generate energy. The solar system is intended to power the lighting systems of the building and reduce long-term running costs.
The building is based on similar arena precedents and will house 3000 fixed seats and 2000 removable seats. It is design for maximum flexibility to allow for both highly specialized activities such as the Judo events for the National Games, and also for all kinds of other University sporting events as well as public performances. The fixed seating is located above the mezzanine level and the flex-seating is below. The flex-seating is designed to fold into the walls of the mezzanine, converting a 51m x 31m game-space into a 64m x 44m gymnasium space.
The arena seating, pitches, and supporting areas are based on International Judo Federation rules as well as Chinese National Games rules. The play area allows for two pitches and simultaneous competitions. The design includes a mobile stage which will can be raised up for graduation ceremonies and music events.
