Revitalizing Legacy: Guangdong's Innovative Approach to Sports Facilities for the National Games
Unveiling the Secrets of a Sustainable Sports Revolution
In the bustling heart of Guangzhou, amidst towering skyscrapers, stands the Tianhe Sports Center, a testament to the city's sporting legacy spanning nearly four decades. This iconic landmark has played host to China's National Games on two previous occasions, and now, with a series of cutting-edge upgrades, it prepares to welcome the prestigious multi-sport event for the third time.
But here's where it gets controversial... or rather, innovative. Through a simple WeChat mini-program, spectators can navigate the vast complex with high-precision augmented reality, ensuring a seamless experience. Meet "Lerongrong," a digital volunteer and one of the Games' mascots, offering real-time assistance, from navigation to emergency support, tailored to the needs of the people.
Zhang Guidong, the deputy director of the Digital Technology Department of the Games' executive committee, revealed an impressive statistic: the mini-program has been utilized over 10 million times as of November 11.
And this is the part most people miss: the venue's commitment to sustainability. By employing energy-saving materials, efficient mechanical systems, and smart lighting, Tianhe Sports Center has achieved a remarkable feat - becoming China's first large-scale stadium with near-zero carbon emissions.
To further reduce its environmental impact, photovoltaic panels have been installed across five venues in Guangzhou, covering an impressive 10,000 square meters. The solar system at Tianhe Sports Center alone generates over one million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. At the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center, a self-consumption model with surplus electricity fed into the grid reduces carbon emissions by approximately 350 tonnes each year.
Reviving and upgrading existing venues has been a cornerstone of the Games' preparations. Organizers reveal that over 90% of competition venues in Guangdong have been enhanced, aligning with the vision of delivering a simple, safe, and splendid Games. All 75 venues will remain accessible to the public post-Games.
With a rich history of hosting major events, including the 2010 Asian Games, Guangzhou boasts an extensive sports infrastructure, encompassing six million square meters of sports facilities and 62 major sports venues. All 30 competition venues in the city for the 15th National Games, 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities, and 9th National Special Olympic Games have undergone renovations.
Technology and modern design have breathed new life into another iconic venue, the Shenzhen Sports Center Gymnasium. Built in 1985, it now boasts a retractable roof, a movable center-hung scoreboard, and folding seating, allowing for quick conversions to host up to 16 different sports, as explained by Lyu Peilei, a sports technology expert at the center.
Attention to detail is evident in the user-friendly renovations. Nearly 600 restrooms at the Shenzhen Sports Center are equipped with electronic signage, dynamically reallocating stalls between genders based on ticket sales, thus alleviating queues during peak periods.
In Zhaoqing's Dinghu District, the refurbished gymnastics venue offers seamless accessibility for wheelchair users. "From the ticket gate to the stands, every section is accessible," assures Liu Shiguang, a member of the organizing committee.
The renovations also showcase a commitment to preserving local character. Guangzhou's Yuexiushan Stadium retains its original charm with refreshed yellow seats, a vibrant green pitch, and blue running tracks, seamlessly blending the venue's heritage with its surroundings.
"We wanted to retain the stadium's original spirit while modernizing its facilities," explains He Jian, the senior chief architect at Guangzhou Metro Design and Research Institute.
As we witness the transformation of these iconic venues, we can't help but wonder: Is this the future of sustainable sports facilities? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's spark a discussion on the innovative approaches to sports infrastructure!
