Shenzhen World
advice,” he adds. “They understood that
form follows function.”
The JWC team admits the project
was far from all plain sailing, identifying
the roof construction as particularly
complex. “But there was never a risk that
there would be any halt in construction.
At the end of the day the companies are
state owned,” says Witt.
Building on reclaimed land and soft
foundations and getting the load factor
right was another challenge, Witt notes.
Another main point of discussion was
whether to go for a one or two level
design. The JWC advice was not to
complicate with two levels and go for a
spacious one storey design.
Another debate was over how much
daylight to let into the hall.
“A lot of glass can help promote the
hall but it can be a mess,” says Witt.
“We know a number of halls in venues
with daylight, which are a mess for many
events, since the windows have to be
darkened for a lot of events - a costly
exercise,” notes Witt.
With Shenzhen experiencing hot
weather most of the year, air
conditioning was also another test and
all 19 halls have air conditioning.
There has been a big investment in
rigging possibilities. Weber is a great
believer in its power to facilitate
sustainable stand construction like light
textile hangings, and giving organisers
more options, including extra sources of
income.
Another part of the plan was advising
on what kind of events are required and
getting the mix right. “What you do in
year one will influence what you do in
year five,” Witt points out.
Certain industries are being targeted
and tend to reflect the Pearl River Delta
powerhouse’s strong suits.
“The machinery sector is very strong
in China and is very interested in a
quality venue,” says Witt. Shenzhen, he
believes, can compete with Beijing and
Shanghai, but needs to get the call right
“Shenzhen is a
perfect location
for a venue and
has excellent
infrastructure,
including a good
choice of airports.
Shanghai, by
comparison, is
crowded and the
infrastructure
limited.”
when deciding whether to take small
events or wait for the big ones to come
along.
And what does Witt have to say to
international planners and organisers
considering Shenzhen?
“Shenzhen will be the No.1 economic
city in China, possibly even in Asia in
medium to long term. The earlier you
will be here the better it is for you.”
Weber adds: “It is a perfect location
for a venue and has excellent
infrastructure, including a good choice
of airports. Shanghai, by comparison, is
crowded and the infrastructure limited.”
Witt concludes: “When you look at
European venues, there are so many
investing hundreds of millions of euros
without really changing the structure. It
is amazing how money is being wasted
without thinking what kind of structure
will be needed in 10 years. We need to
be thinking about moving old centres
and the freed up land can then finance
the moves.”
Above:
Shenzhen World
- ready for big
business
ISSUE 103
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CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD
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