On February 21, 2025, the Capital International Exhibition & Convention Center (New China International Exhibition Center Phase II), jointly designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and AECOM, officially commenced operations. Known as the “Purple-Gold Ribbon,” this ultra-large exhibition and convention complex is currently the largest single-building project in Beijing. Beyond its striking architectural form, the project exemplifies a seamless integration of cutting-edge building technology and sustainable development through the application of multiple innovative solutions.
The architectural design team faced several major challenges. The first was how to realize the flowing aesthetic of the “Purple-Gold Ribbon” within a building of extraordinary scale, with a total gross floor area of approximately 610,000 square meters. Drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese glazed roof tiles, the design team employed parametric design tools to create continuous, fluid curved forms. The building façade features a bronze-toned metal curtain wall that produces rich visual effects under changing light conditions, achieving a modern expression infused with Eastern cultural character. Another key challenge was balancing functionality with architectural aesthetics. The project integrates multiple functions, including exhibition, conference, and hotel facilities. An innovative “fishbone” layout was adopted, organically connecting nine exhibition halls via ribbon-like corridors. Among them, two column-free multifunctional halls with a clear height of 16 meters utilize long-span steel structures and can be flexibly adapted for conferences, performances, and other events. This layout ensures functional independence while enabling efficient circulation through a central concourse.
In the curtain wall design, Warmframe Technology’s high-performance thermal insulation blanket system was adopted. This innovative solution successfully addresses the global challenge of thermal insulation in large-scale curved buildings. For the Capital International Exhibition & Convention Center, Warmframe developed a customized thermal solution tailored to the building’s streamlined architectural form. Featuring a multilayer composite structure, the system significantly enhances the thermal performance of the building envelope while maintaining a lightweight and refined façade appearance. Notably, the system adapts seamlessly to the building’s complex geometry, achieving perfect integration with the signature curvilinear design language of Zaha Hadid Architects and delivering outstanding thermal insulation performance. This marks another application of Warmframe’s high-performance curtain wall thermal insulation technology by Zaha Hadid Architects following the Wuhan Taikang Center project, and by AECOM following the Hong Kong International Airport Third Runway project, to address complex façade thermal challenges.
In terms of sustainable design, the project team moved beyond conventional approaches by embedding green technologies into the architectural fabric. In addition to Warmframe’s curtain wall thermal insulation system, the building incorporates intelligent shading systems, rainwater harvesting, and other ecological technologies. These innovations enable the project to achieve China’s Three-Star Green Building Standard while creating a comfortable indoor environment. Particularly noteworthy is the seamless integration of Warmframe’s solution with the architectural design, delivering excellent energy-saving performance without compromising the intended aesthetic expression.
The completion of the Capital International Exhibition & Convention Center marks China’s entry into a world-leading position in the field of large-scale exhibition architecture. With the successful opening of its inaugural exhibition, this architectural landmark—combining advanced technology with artistic expression—is attracting global attention and is set to become a new urban icon for Beijing and a key platform for international exchange. It not only reflects the advancement of China’s building technologies, but also demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable development in contemporary China.