GREATER BAY AREA CULTURE AND SPORTS CENTER

The Greater Bay Area Culture and Sports Center, a coastal multi-purpose complex designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, serves the National Games of China. The signage system for this project centers on the philosophy of “Integration,” positioning itself as a natural extension of the architectural narrative—achieving a deep fusion of the architecture, interior, and signage.

Drawing inspiration from the traditional Chinese folding fan, the project embodies the concept of “Welcoming Guests with Fans,” effectively conveying Eastern hospitality. This signage system echoes this through the theme of “Fans Converging into Ripples.” It abstracts the linear fan ribs and the unfolding fan surface, creating a design that seamlessly blends graceful folding fans with coastal splashing waves. The signage totems utilize a color scheme of elegant gold and pure white: the gold is reminiscent of the fan ribs, while the white ensures optimal legibility for information, striking a perfect balance between aesthetic pleasure and practicality.

The core spatial nodes feature an all-white, spiraling structure, which precisely captures the fluid dynamics of a cresting wave and creates a “changing scenery with every step” visual effect through specific sculpture techniques, establishing the signage as an artistic bond connecting Lingnan culture with modern architecture. To honor the professional identities of the Stadium, Gymnasium, and Aquatic Center, the design team has customized icons that echo the themes of speed, competition, and fluidity. The palette combines ocean blue, beach gold, and lush green, reflecting Nansha’s rich urban fabric and ecological heritage. Furthermore, the wayfinding information is presented in Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and English—a thoughtful response to the cultural diversity in the Greater Bay Area and the various needs of a global audience.