A new landmark in Shijiazhuang, China
Shijiazhuang central business district, China Since it is making a comeback, MAD Architects has designed the innovative Cloud 9 Sports Center, which complements the city’s history. Designed by lead architect Ma Yanson, this fluid structure is not just a place for exercise, but also serves as an extension of the park itself. The site will be approximately 6,000 square meters in area and will be a sports complex that includes a gym, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, and commercial space.
The design prioritizes integration with the district’s Central Park, a vibrant space surrounded by residential, commercial and recreational areas. Once completed, the building will be encased in a translucent envelope, creating a glowing “cloud” that reflects the park’s natural beauty. Public areas, outdoor courts, and green space will be placed around the structure to improve accessibility for the community. Cloud 9 Sports Center is expected to break ground in March 2024 and be completed in 2025.
Visualization © MAD Architects
The fantastic facade of “Cloud 9”
Functionality and environmental sustainability were key considerations in the design of the Cloud 9 Sports Center. team At MAD Architects. Strategically placed cooling towers on the second floor address ventilation needs, optimizing air circulation while freeing up valuable ground space for recreation. The roof of the first floor extends towards the park and is partially covered with greenery, further blurring the line between building and environment.
The upper floors of the building will be covered with an ETFE skin with a metallic coating. This material reflects the surrounding park, minimizes the building’s visual impact, and reduces disturbances from cooling towers. The facade will act almost like a mirror, reflecting the urban environment and park activities, making the sports center an integral part of city life.
Shijiazhuang’s central business district is being transformed with Cloud 9 Sports Center
Mad Architects carefully selected views of the entire city
MAD Architects designed a unique semi-outdoor staircase on the side facing Central Park, providing public access to Cloud 9’s rest area and third-floor observation deck with panoramic views. This open feel extends to the top floor gym, which features a fully transparent glass curtain wall, allowing you to see through while exercising. Similarly, the indoor tennis court benefits from natural light filtering through the glass curtain wall, further connecting the building to its surroundings.
The indoor tennis court is similarly connected to the underground shopping mall and subway, and benefits from a transparent glass curtain wall that allows natural light to illuminate the space.
Ma Yansong/MAD Architects designed a green slope and two-story platform that acts as a buffer between the sports center and the city. A circular running track connects the building to Central Park, with outdoor courts, terraced plazas and observation decks, enhancing recreational spaces for sport, relaxation and leisure.
Designed by MAD Architects, the project will be fluidly connected to the district’s Central Park.
The outside of the translucent membrane creates a bright cloud-like effect
Public areas and green spaces are arranged for optimal access to the community