Beijing welcomes a major addition to its business and exhibition landscape with the inauguration of the Capital International Exhibition & Convention Centre (CIECC). Zaha Hadid Architects designed this state-of-the-art venue to expand Beijing’s exhibition and conference facilities. The CIECC introduces nine exhibition halls, three reception halls, a conference center for 9,000 delegates, and a 410 room hotel. The center covers over 611,000 square meters, meeting the rising need for international conferences and trade expos. China’s expanding service and digital industries continue to drive this demand.
Innovative Design and Connectivity
The CIECC sits in Shunyi District, next to Beijing Capital International Airport and directly connects to Line 15 of the Beijing Subway. This location allows visitors to access the venue with ease. A central north-south axis structures the space, guiding movement between key areas. The design also includes a sheltered courtyard, providing an outdoor setting for events. The design optimizes movement, allowing multiple large-scale gatherings to take place without interference.
Bridges link the exhibition halls, conference center, and hotel, ensuring a continuous indoor route for attendees. The conference center and hotel anchor the northern section of the site, shaping a public square designed for exhibitions and events. The infrastructure divides pedestrian, vehicle, and freight movement into separate routes, reducing congestion and maximizing efficiency.
Adaptability and Modular Construction
The roof system features symmetrical geometric forms, creating a lightweight yet insulated structure. This design enables large column-free spaces, ensuring flexibility for different exhibition formats. The modular design not only accelerates construction but also reduces long-term maintenance costs.
The pleated, deep copper-colored facade, punctuated by recessed windows, creates a fluid architectural identity that balances the vast scale of the structure. This distinct materiality softens the industrial proportions of the venue.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
Achieving the highest certification under China’s Green Building Program, the CIECC integrates advanced smart building management systems to optimize energy use. Hybrid ventilation, powered by high-efficiency HVAC systems, improves indoor air quality while minimizing energy consumption. Rainwater collection, grey water recycling, and on-site photovoltaics further reduce reliance on municipal utilities, reinforcing the venue’s sustainability commitments.
Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)
Design: Patrik Schumacher
ZHA Project Directors: Satoshi Ohashi, Paulo Flores
ZHA Project Associates: Di Ding, Martin Pfleger, Clara Martins
ZHA Project Leads: Leo Alves, I-Chun Lin, Eduardo Camarena, Juan Montiel
ZHA Site Team: Di Ding, I-Chun Lin
ZHA Project Team: Satoshi Ohashi, Paulo Flores, Yang Jingwen, Di Ding, Cristiano Ceccato, Martin Pfleger, Clara Martins, Leo Alves, I-Chun Lin, Eduardo Camarena, Juan Montiel, Yihui Wu, Cristina Barrios Cabrera, Chen Lian, Dilara Yurttas, Felix Amiss, Gaoqi Lou, Hao Yang, Haotian Man, Huiyuan Li, Shuaiwei Li, John Kanakas, Kate Hunter, Nessma Al Ghoussein, Qiren Lu, Thomas Bagnoli, Meysam Ehsanian, Yushan Chen, Zhe Zhong, Xinying Zhang
ZHA Competition Project Directors: Satoshi Ohashi, Paulo Flores
ZHA Competition Associates: Yang Jingwen, Michail Desyllas
ZHA Competition Project Architect: Di Ding
ZHA Competition Team: Satoshi Ohashi, Paulo Flores, Yang Jingwen, Di Ding, Michail Desyllas, Eduardo Camarena, Enoch Kolo, Che-Hung Chien, Felix Amiss, Genci Sulo, I Chun Lin, Jiaxing Lu, Juan Liu, Mariana Custodio dos Santos, Meng Zhao, Michael On, Nastasja Mitrovic, Nicolas Tornero, Ying Xia, Zheng Xu
Consultants
Executive Architect: Beijing Institute of Architectural Design CO., LTD
Local Architect: Beijing Institute of Architectural Design CO., LTD, Beijing BIAD Decoration Engineering and Design CO., LTD (Conference Center Interior), Beijing E.Scene Art Design Co. LTD (Exhibition Interior), Cheng Chung Design (Hotel Interior)
Structural Engineers: Beijing Institute of Architectural Design CO., LTD
General Contractor: China Construction Second Engineering Bureau LTD. and Beijing Construction Engineering Group
Façade Engineering: China Academy of Building Research
MEP: Beijing Institute of Architectural Design CO., LTD
Transport Consultant: Parking Management Organisation (Shanghai)
Fire Engineer: Tianjin Taida Fire Science and Technology LTD.
Landscape Consultant: Ecoland
Lighting Design: Toryo International Lighting Design Center
Site Supervision: RFR,CCAT
Urban Planning: AECOM
