Architectural Marvel by AAUPC, BIAD, TJAD – 2023, Heng Liu
Unveiling the IFF Permanent Venue
The Nansha permanent venue of the International Financial Forum (IFF) in Guangzhou, China, has emerged as a monumental achievement, showcasing the collaborative brilliance of architects Tengfei Su, Dong Cheng, Fuyuan Gao, and Liqiang Lu. This newly completed complex, spanning 257,197 square meters, witnessed the culmination of the IFF 20th Anniversary & Annual Meeting from October 27th-29th, 2023, at the remarkable IFF Convention Center.
International Perspective: A Multifaceted Hub
Comprising the IFF Convention Center, IFF Convention Center Hotel, and supporting service buildings, the permanent venue addresses diverse needs such as conferences, banquets, performances, receptions, and accommodation. The design, envisioning future development, strategically reserves exhibition spaces and media centers with cutting-edge equipment to cater to global and governmental conferences.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
The second floor houses two expansive halls, the Meeting Hall and the Banquet Hall, covering 3000 square meters and accommodating up to 3000 people. On the fourth floor, the Council Hall and the Multi-functional Hall, both spanning 1800 square meters, stand ready for activities of the highest national standard. Additionally, over 40 small and medium-sized conference rooms across the second to fourth floors offer flexibility for various parallel forums.
Technological Marvel: A Symphony of Materials
The project seamlessly integrates advanced technologies and materials, incorporating a full-process digital visualization design and dynamic structural monitoring. The IFF Convention Center, captured in a small digital model, boasts 14,000 tons of steel, 40,000 square meters of metal facade materials, 7,000 square meters of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), and nearly 20,000 square meters of PTFE.
Chinese Aesthetic: Modern Elegance with Tradition
Inheriting the grandeur of traditional Chinese architecture, the design integrates the organic form of the kapok tree, infusing modern architectural language into traditional structures. The central entrance, akin to a blooming flower, extends wings horizontally, creating an aura of grandeur. Abstract representations of traditional Chinese architectural elements, including flying cornices and bucket arches, showcase the beauty of Chinese architecture in a modern context.
Lingnan Charm: Blending Tradition with Contemporary
Inspired by traditional Lingnan architecture, the IFF Convention Center incorporates elevated semi-outdoor spaces on both sides, drawing from local Lingnan arcades and embracing the regional context. Adapting to the local climate, the center features traditional Lingnan architectural layouts, leveraging “Cooling Allies” and ship-shaped halls to invite skylights and fresh air. Delicate details, inspired by Lingnan characteristics, add a touch of traditional charm in a modern setting.
Geometric Center of Excellence
Located at the heart of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the IFF Convention Center stands as a transparent ode to architectural excellence. Welcoming guests from around the globe, it symbolizes the harmonious convergence of tradition, modernity, and international collaboration in the realm of financial forums and cultural exchanges.
