Chinese architecture studio MAD has unveiled the design for Cloud 9 Sports Center, a mirrored athletic facility designed as a “glowing cloud” with undulating shapes.
Built for the city of Shijiazhuang in China’s Hebei province, the 6,000 square meter building consists of an exercise complex with a gym, tennis courts and commercial space.
According to the studio, the wavy shape was designed to resemble “bright clouds that reflect the natural environment.” The building is located on the north side of the city’s Central Park.
MAD wrapped the Cloud 9 Sports Center in a translucent ETFE membrane material and applied a metallic coating to create a mirror effect that reflects the surrounding park.
Inside, orange hues contrast with the silver façade. The building is designed to showcase the activities taking place inside, with a translucent membrane offering views of the sports centre.
The top floor under the roof features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer gym visitors views of the park surrounding the athletic center.
The outdoor tennis courts, public areas and green spaces are designed to integrate with the existing park, with the ground floor of the building extending towards the park and partially covered with green plants to blend in with the park. I am.
MAD designed the Cloud 9 Sports Center with an integrated design to “enhance both functionality and environmental sustainability.”
This includes a second floor cooling tower for underground ventilation and air circulation.
On the exterior of the building, a semi-outdoor staircase has been added to the side facing Central Park, allowing gym users and the general public to access the resto bar along the staircase to reach the third floor.
Here, MAD designed an observation deck that the studio says offers “panoramic views” of Central Park and Shijiazhuang.
The building also has an indoor tennis court connected to the subway and shopping street, all behind a glass curtain wall to let in natural light.
Construction of the Cloud 9 Sports Center is scheduled to begin in March 2024 and be completed in 2025.
MAD recently announced a number of upcoming sculpture projects in China, including an airport with a “bird-like” roof and an art center shaped like the waves of the South Sea.
Project credits:
partner: Ma Yansong, Dan Kun, Yosuke Hayano
associate partner: Li Jiang
Design team: Guo Xuan, Pan Siyi, Miao Fangyi, Lai Hanzhang, Deng Wei, Qiao Xuantong, Faye Wong, Wang Lei, Li Cunhao
owner: Shijiazhuang Central Business District Development Co., Ltd.
Architectural design: MAD Architectural Problem Research Institute
Grade A Design Institute: Northern Engineering Design Institute Co., Ltd.
interior design: MAD Architects, Hong Kong Yihui Commercial Design Co., Ltd.
Landscape consultant: SWA group
Curtain wall consultant: British Engineering Consulting (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Lighting consultant: Beijing Ningzhijing Lighting Design Co., Ltd.