The unanimous choice in a design competition for the 2.8 million square foot Suzhou International Expo Center, SOM’s unfolding fan concept received instant approval in a city renowned for its delicately carved hand-fans. Designed as a world-class convention facility, the roofs of the upper level of the halls span the complex from edge to edge, which allows for one of the world’s largest column-free exhibition spaces.

Project Facts

Completion Year: 2008
Site Area: 188,600 m²
Project Area: 2,800,000 ft²
Building Height: 23 m
Number of Stories: 2

The unanimous choice in a design competition for the Suzhou International Expo Center, SOM’s unfolding fan concept won instant approval in a city renowned for its delicately carved hand-fans. The roofs of the Center’s upper level span the complex from edge to edge, allowing for one of the largest column-free exhibition spaces in the world.

Designed as a world-class convention facility, the Center provides two levels of exhibition hall space with easy access for both exhibitors and visitors. Constructed from steel and glass, the upper level roofs are cantilevered, creating a contiguous, column-free exhibition hall on the second floor.

Divided into five sub-halls that echo the shape of fan blades, the site is easy to understand and navigate. At the main entryway, a new public courtyard descends to Jinji Lake. Gardens and pools link to the canals surrounding the site, reminding visitors of the irrigation canals that make Suzhou one of China’s best-known garden cities.

The design for Suzhou International Expo Center relies on SOM’s belief that a building should manifest past and present local influences. Accordingly, local materials are used to create an immediately recognizable, sophisticated form.