The legacy of Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) continues to redefine the scale and scope of contemporary architectural design with the unveiling of the Xi’an International Football Centre. A new urban landmark set within the Fengdong New District of China’s ancient capital, this 60,000-seat stadium transcends mere sports infrastructure to become a sprawling, civic-focused campus. The design takes its cue from Xi’an’s deep historical roots as the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, welcoming visitors into a flowing, technologically advanced structure that prioritizes both environmental and social connectivity.
The unmistakable signature of ZHA’s parametric vocabulary is immediately apparent in the building’s sweeping, fluid geometry. Rather than presenting a monolithic barrier, the stadium’s form is intrinsically linked to the continental climate of Xi’an. The sweeping lines of the façade were deliberately shaped to dissipate prevailing northerly winds that chill the city in winter, while its massive perimeter roof overhangs provide crucial shade, creating comfortable conditions for public concourses during the hot summers.
Central to the building’s technical mastery is its revolutionary roof system. The 60,000-seat stadium is crowned by an ultra-lightweight long span cable-net roof structure, which significantly reduces the building’s primary structural load and, consequently, minimizes its material footprint and embodied carbon. This sustainable design approach ensures a high-performance, low-impact structure, demonstrating how massive sports infrastructure projects can be executed with structural finesse and ecological responsibility.
The spectator experience is rigorously optimized through digital modelling. This cutting-edge technology was used to define the geometry of the seating bowl, shaping it into a saddle-like form that maximizes proximity and views to the field of play from every single one of the 60,000 seats. This precise digital modelling generates an exceptionally exciting atmosphere for football and guarantees an outstanding match experience for players and spectators alike.
Furthermore, the structure is a testament to the seamless integration of building and landscape. The southern elevation features a series of shaded, open-air public concourses and elevated garden terraces which are extensively planted on all levels. These terraces offer views over the city towards the distant Qing Mountain, serving as social and recreational amenities for the city’s residents every day of the year, not just on match days.
A translucent membrane stretches across the tensile cable-net roof structure, performing a dual function: it protects spectators from direct sunlight and inclement weather while still allowing maximum levels of natural light to reach the playing surface. This crucial balance promotes the healthy growth of grass on the pitch, ensuring playing conditions of the highest standard. By integrating its civic role, ZHA has ensured the Xi’an International Football Centre is a lasting urban landmark and a cultural legacy for the city’s nine million residents.