In recent years, China has seen a growing trend in the adoption of innovative membrane structures, inspired by advanced technologies from Western countries. Initially small in scale, these projects have progressively expanded in size and span. While the initial reliance on foreign expertise, particularly in regions like the South China Sea, remains evident, there is optimism about achieving greater self-sufficiency in future developments. Over the past decade, numerous Chinese cities have embarked on ambitious plans to construct modern sports facilities, with membrane structures proving especially popular due to their lightweight nature. Sports architecture stands out as a significant breakthrough in this domain. Prior to 1997, only a limited number of smaller membrane structures were erected in China. However, the 7th National Games held in Shanghai marked a turning point when the main stadium's grandstand utilized a PTFE-coated glass fiber membrane over an impressive area of 36,100 square meters. This marked China’s first large-scale implementation of a permanent membrane structure, though costs were still relatively high compared to traditional methods.
The Jizhong Stadium in Qingdao, Shandong Province, represents a major milestone as China’s first independently designed and constructed large-scale membrane structure. With an exterior dimension of 266m x 180m, it accommodates up to 60,000 spectators. Its 40-meter cantilevered roof comprises a sophisticated tension system combining membranes, cables, and steel supports. The roof consists of 70 conical cord membrane units spanning a total area of 30,000 square meters. Across China, similar membrane-covered stadiums are being planned and implemented in both major cities like Shanghai (Hongkou District Football Stadium), Wuhan, Zhengzhou, and Guangzhou, as well as smaller urban areas such as Yantai, Weihai, and Wuhu. Indoor arenas also present opportunities for membrane applications; the Qinhuangdao Gymnasium in northern China features a pioneering double-layer membrane design with dimensions of 112m x 98m. Another recent example is the water park in Chengdu, a 20,000-square-meter facility featuring arched steel trusses spanning 115 meters and covered with PVC polyester fabric.
Membrane structures are increasingly employed in both indoor and outdoor performance venues, typically supported by steel frameworks. Notable examples include the Changsha Window of the World Theater (3,500 square meters), Shenzhen Happy Valley Center Performance Hall (5,800 square meters), Guangzhou Ocean World Dolphinarium (2,840 square meters), and Tianjin Taifeng Storm Theater (1,000 square meters). Completed in 1998, the Window of the World Theater was among the earlier projects utilizing PVC-clad membranes.
As communication networks expand domestically and globally, there is heightened demand for new conference and exhibition venues. During the 1999 China Hi-Tech Fair in Shenzhen, two pavilions totaling 2,400 square meters showcased the advantages of lightweight membrane roofing. Similarly, in the coastal town of Boao in Hainan Province, renowned for hosting high-profile international gatherings, the main venue incorporated a membrane structure with a 4,000-square-meter roof completed within just 40 days. The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region’s capital, Nanning, boasts an International Convention and Exhibition Center featuring a steel dome covered with membrane material, becoming the architectural centerpiece. Both the interior and exterior of the steel structure are clad with dual layers of PTFE fiberglass fabric.
Beyond large-scale structures, membrane solutions are also applied to smaller buildings such as gas stations, toll booths, service centers, entry gates, and shade canopies. Despite each project’s modest footprint—typically only a few hundred square meters—the cumulative volume of such initiatives nationwide results in substantial numbers of membrane installations. As China continues to embrace cutting-edge architectural innovations, the potential for further advancements in this field appears limitless.
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