Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates (TVS) has won the international design competition for the new Nanjing Conference and Exhibition Center in Nanjing, China.

"Being selected as the winner of this competition among some of the world's best design firms is extremely rewarding," said Kevin Gordon, TVS Principal. "TVS is excited to have the opportunity to physically represent the rich history and natural surroundings of Nanjing within this new facility."

The master plan for the complex includes eight identical halls of 12,300 square meters each, arranged along a primary pedestrian circulation spine including pre-function and registration space. Outdoor exhibition spaces include a highly visibly 30,000 square meter venue located on the grand entry plaza.

A ninth multi-function hall, 10,000 square meters in area, is connected to the conference center and serves as the focal point of the facility. The conference center includes 27 meeting rooms, a junior ballroom and the grand ballroom offering dynamic views of Nanjing.

The 3.5 million square feet facility will be built in two or more phases. Construction on Phase One is expected to be complete by early 2008 in anticipation of the World Cities Forum to be held in Nanjing. Phase One will include 700,000 square feet of exhibition space and 300,000 square feet of conference space.

The design of the Center was inspired by the local spirit and natural environments surrounding Nanjing. Dubbed by the design team, "Curling Dragon, Crouching Tiger," the design represents Zhongsan Mountain which reminded the founding emperors of Nanjing of a curling dragon, while the west Stone Mountain recalled a crouching tiger.

Located at the heart of the New District, the city's new downtown, the Nanjing Conference and Exhibition Center will spatially represent an integration of the mountains, waters, city and trees that surround the site.

Other TVS designed projects in China include the New China International Exposition Center in Beijing; Commercial Street, a large mixed use and retail complex in Suzhou; the award-winning landmark monument in Dalian; and master planning for the Nansha area of Guangzhou.