SOM conceived this exhibition center as a “living room” for Zhongshan, a burgeoning industrial city of 1.3 million people. The complex includes comfortable lobbies and meeting spaces, versatile dining areas, administrative support areas, VIP suites, a central high-performance engineering plant, and a grand plaza. The plaza, which can accommodate a variety of events, is one of the many flexible, functional elements that enables the complex to compete with facilities in nearby cities.

The building’s design was derived from the famous rolling hills of Zhongshan, as well as from the structure of ancient lamellar Chinese armor. The entire complex is sheltered by a continuous undulating aluminum and steel roof. Solar collectors built into the louvered roof system generate enough energy to power the building’s primary lighting systems. The faceted design, which helps to naturally moderate tropical temperatures, creates a dappled effect of light and shadows on the plaza below. Additional sustainable features include below-grade concrete earth tubes and geothermal heat sinks.