“Crystal” evolves from the ancient Greek vocabulary “Krystallos.” The University Town Stadium in Shenzhen took inspiration from this valuable mineral. “Krystallos” translates to “water of pure white” in Chinese. This concept shaped the stadium’s design.
Welcome to the University Town Stadium. This stadium is a key part of the University Town of Shenzhen. The stadium has a capacity of 15,000. It is primarily used for football matches. The University Town itself is an education hub near Xili Lake.
The lighting design team asked key questions. What lighting techniques present the architecture’s language? How do we show the game’s spirit with design? The team focused on “White” as the main theme. “White” represents purity, justice, holiness, and peace. The design team believed “White Light Architecture” harmoniously presents the Universiade’s spirit.
Initially, clients wanted RGB multi-color lighting. This was common in other Chinese stadiums. Designers compromised with fade green lighting. The stadium glass appears green in daylight. Green lighting extends this impression into nighttime. “Green” also connects with world peace and a green environment. The use of green light is limited. White light illuminates shading fabric. This supplements interior lighting. It enhances brightness without affecting the game or broadcasts.
Green light negatively influences interior lighting. This is especially true for the natatorium. Changes in lighting color affect the game and broadcast visuals. Green light is only used when games aren’t held inside.
The design team proposed a scene control solution. They chose white light as a foundation. LED dimming techniques control each glass facade module. This varies luminance levels and creates patterns. This presents the relationship between the crystal architecture, light, and shadows. RGB system feasibility issues and costs created conflicts. The team suggested a temporary performance lighting system. This would fulfill media broadcasting needs. It also balances ceremonial and normal lighting. Sadly, the clients did not accept this proposal.
The 26th Summer Universiade’s opening and closing ceremonies were planned here. The government relocated the ceremonies to Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre. The RGB LED system never had a chance to be used during the opening ceremony.
The 34th ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup opened here in Longgang District. This brought together 64 of Asia’s top players. Thousands of fans attended. Chinese stars like Sun Yingsha and Wang Chuqin competed. The tournament featured men’s and women’s singles events. Each event had 32 players. China sent six players for each. A special dance performance by humanoid robots ignited the stadium. Their agile moves coordinated with human performers. This showcased a wonderful integration of sports and AI.
Sun Yingsha made her Asian Cup debut. She played against Chien Tung-chuan of Chinese Taipei. Sun won with a 3-0 victory. Sun also plays for the Shenzhen University Table Tennis Club. She said Shenzhen feels like home.
Austrian musician Franz Eppensteiner attended the Asian Cup. He wore a hoodie with the slogan “Super Sha”. He was amazed by the stadium and the atmosphere. He said the stadium is beautiful. It’s so big and the lights are amazing. The atmosphere is wonderful.
The venue is accessible via Metro Line 16’s Universiade Center Station.
The architectural inspiration and lighting design tried to capture a feeling. It is a feeling of purity and peace. The University Town Stadium stands as a beacon. It is a beacon of athletic competition and artistic expression.