A fast-tracked construction of a sustainable new Olympic sports complex in Wuxi, China, is now underway.

Undertaken by gmp Architects and now substantially underway on a large wetland site, the Wuxi Olympic Sports Center includes a stadium for 60,000 spectators, a multipurpose arena with a capacity of 18,000, and a competition pool with 2,000 spectator seats.

The structures are situated within a 57-ha (140-acre) landscaped park, which also features a new fitness center, a hotel, an apartment building for competitors, and commercial facilities.

The design focuses on creating an urban environment that maximizes solar energy use and considers how wind affects natural ventilation. It also uses solar, geothermal, and wind energy.

Another important element of the design is the “sponge city” concept for the landscape park. Natural waterways are incorporated into the design, which, with the help of modern rainwater management that combines a flood control basin and natural swales, will be capable of absorbing large quantities of rainwater and releasing it slowly over time.

This design helps to prevent floods and supports a comfortable climate.

Since 2006, gmp has been involved in planning for every soccer World Cup, providing services that range from designing new stadiums and renovating historic facilities to conducting value engineering and FIFA expert reviews.