This main building comprises the arena, warmup courts, and training courts. A public level features wide promenades in between the three facilities, forming a T-shaped public space to serve as the lively heart of the complex. At the junction of these promenades, outside the main arena entrance, is a plaza known as the “sweet spot” – a reference to the area on a badminton racket that produces the best strike – which also lends its name to the design proposal as a whole. Below the public level is a “lower ground” level that connects together the various elements of the National Training Centre and includes spaces for sports science research. This split-level approach offers privacy to the high-level athletes as they move between facilities.

“Given the programme of the complex, it was clear that the Pingshan Sports Park should be a real celebration of all sports, but more than anything else, it should be a celebration of badminton”, says MVRDV founding partner Jacob van Rijs. “With the design of The Sweet Spot, we tackled that requirement head-on, with a fun and easily readable concept that anyone can appreciate. At the same time, we took great care to resolve this complex project in a way that is efficient, sustainable, and social. We’re thrilled we were able to take the winning shot in this competition!”