MVRDV win competition for 'fun and human-centric' Shenzhen sports and culture complex
by Kim Megson | 10 Oct 2016
– Jacob van Rijs
Dutch architects MVRDV have won an international competition to design a sports and cultural complex in Shenzhen, China, which will be navigated via a weaving elevated walkway.
The Nanshan district government has tasked the studio, and local firm Zhubo Architecture Design, with creating “a social and wellbeing focal point” for the community in the country’s fastest-growing urban region.
Located in a residential area which stretches between two mountain parks, the Xili Sports and Cultural Centre will bring together a wide range of activities in a new experience centre. There will be four distinct volumes: a 20,000sq m amphitheatre; a 15,000sq m basketball, badminton and fitness arena; a 6,000sq m swimming pool and wellness building; and a 10,000sq m multifunctional sports arena featuring facilities for volleyball, table tennis and football among other sports.
Locals and visitors will be encouraged to use each facility, travelling between them via the elevated running, which will wind in and out of all the volumes. Each building will also have an activated roof open to all users through all the seasons, hosting things like outdoor cinema screenings.
The concept of MVRDV’s design was to introduce a “fun, human, social and sustainable model” that meets the rising demand for sports and fitness facilities while departing from the Olympic-sized, high density arenas currently being built across the region.
“There is now a need for a more human-centred approach,” said the studio. “The challenge was to go from bigness to compression through understanding urbanism.”
Founding partner Jacob van Rijs added: “The idea was to make a collection of atmospheres in this centre so that they can be distinguished from each other. We wanted to combine a large-scale sports stadium with a social aspect connecting it with the community.
“This was achieved by arranging different volumes on the site around a new diagonal green bridge linking the metro station in the south with the Tanglan mountains in the north. This centre is a stage for different users, mixing nature, sports and culture.”
MVRDV have designed a number of projects merging culture, fitness and wellness – including the recently-completed House of Movement and Culture in Copenhagen.
MVRDV architecture design Shenzhen China Nanshan Jacob van Rijs
The complex will meet the rising demand for sports and fitness facilities while departing from the Olympic-sized arenas popular in the region Credit: MVRDV
One of the volumes will feature a theatre and outdoor social space Credit: MVRDV
An elevated walkway will link the complex's four volumes Credit: MVRDV
20 Sep 2016
Exclusive: How MVRDV are transforming a museum art depot into a unique attraction for Rotterdam
02 Sep 2016
Fitness and fun promoted at MVRDV's madcap House of Movement and Culture
20 Jul 2016
MVRDV design gold-tinged Paradise City entertainment zone for Seoul
02 Jun 2016
'Vagueness should be killed': MVRDV's Winy Maas calls for more clarity in architecture
04 May 2016
MVRDV turn traditional buildings inside out for green-lit Zaanstad Cultural Cluster
29 Apr 2016
MVRDV's spiky Danish Museum of Rock opens in Roskilde
FEATURE: In conversation – MVRDV’S Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs and Nathalie de Vries
Dutch architects MVRDV have won an international competition to design a sports and cultural complex in Shenzhen, China, which will be navigated via a weaving elevated walkway. The Nanshan district government has tasked the studio, and local firm Zhubo Architecture Design, with creating “a social and wellbeing focal point” for the community in the country’s fastest-growing urban region. Located in a residential area which stretches between two mountain parks, the
CLD,SAR,HAF,AAC,ARC,DES
More news
Pop-up stadium built with shipping containers opens ahead of 2022 World Cup
by Tom Walker | 30 Nov 2021
A fully demountable stadium, designed by Fenwick Iribarren Architects and built from shipping containers, is now open and ready to host games during the FIFA 2022 World Cup. Called Stadium 974, the innovative design has been inspired by Qatar’s worldwide trade and seafaring. The name comes from 974 being the international dialling code for Qatar, as well as the exact number of shipping containers used in construction. Located across the
John McAslan + Partners-designed M7 cultural hub and museum opens in Doha
by Tom Walker | 23 Nov 2021
A new creative hub in Doha looks to position itself as the new heart of Qatar’s fashion and design industry – as well as a public showcase for innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. The M7 Design and Cultural Hub, designed by John McAslan + Partners, is the architectural anchor of the 31-hectare Msheireb mixed-use development. Established by Qatar Museums, under the leadership of Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin
LPO Architects and GrecoDeco create vast subterranean wellness retreat for Oslo
by Megan Whitby | 19 Nov 2021
Nordic Hotels & Resorts is creating an urban wellness retreat in Norway’s capital city of Oslo as part of its 231-room hotel project. Owned by Norwegian hotelier Petter Stordalen, the luxury destination will be named Sommerro and welcome guests in the city’s Frogner neighbourhood as of September 2022. Sommerro will be housed in a restored 1930s building – formerly the headquarters of the city’s original electrical company – and encompass
Herzog and de Meuron’s M+ museum of visual culture distils essence of Hong Kong
by Tom Walker | 17 Nov 2021
M+, described as Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture, has opened in Hong Kong. Located in the city state's West Kowloon Cultural District, the museum features six thematic exhibitions housing more than 1,000 works. Designed by architects Herzog and de Meuron, M+ will act as a cultural centre for 20th and 21st-century art, design, architecture, and the moving image. As well as the 33 exhibition galleries, the complex
Ennismore takes its lifestyle hotel brand Tribe to South East Asia
by Tom Walker | 11 Nov 2021
Ennismore, the hotel company behind brands such as The Hoxton, Delano and Mondrian has announced plans to roll out its Tribe lifestyle hotel brand across Southeast Asia, targeting countries such as Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines. Launched in 2019, Tribe is marketed as an "alternative lifestyle brand" and features properties which have been designed to focus on common areas to create multifunctional spaces that encourage connection between guests.
Therme Group announces plans to expand North American footprint
by Megan Whitby | 08 Nov 2021
Thermal wellbeing organisation Therme Group has outlined plans to introduce urban wellbeing centres to five US cities, including New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. The organisation has appointed Robert Hammond as president and chief strategy officer for its Therme North America branch to manage its US expansion plans. Hammond will be responsible for overseeing the development of the Therme product and programming for the wellbeing company’s US expansion. Hammond
Design trends: Soneva Fushi reveals fine-dining zipline experience
by Tom Walker | 05 Nov 2021
Soneva Fushi resort in the Maldives has unveiled a "world-first" dining experience, which will take guests high among the treetops. Called Flying Sauces, the new eating option will offer guests the opportunity to combine culinary excellence with views across the resort. Guest will embark and soar along a 200m (656ft) zipline, before reaching a specially constructed dining platform, suspended 12m (40ft) in the air. Once at the platform, visitors will
Grimshaw partners with Eden Project for pavilion at COP26
by Tom Walker | 01 Nov 2021
Grimshaw has partnered with The Eden Project to create a special pavilion at the COP 26 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow. Located in the Blue Zone in the Scottish Exhibition Campus, the Eden Project Pavilion has been designed by Grimshaw as a showcase of – and call to arms for – the actions needed to regenerate the planet. It harnesses the geodesic design reminiscent of the Eden
AIDarchitecten creates Urban spa sanctuary inspired by renowned apothecary in former monastery
by Megan Whitby | 29 Oct 2021
A 15th-century monastery and chapel in Belgium’s capital city of Antwerp is being transformed into a new five-star hotel and botanical spa; Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp. Developer IRET Development is working to retain the location’s identity and create an urban retreat that brings together a sense of the building’s history with contemporary sensibilities and sustainable design. So far, the sensitive restoration project has sought to strip away the fripperies of times
Studio SAOTA and Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel are creating a hillside resort for Bulgari in LA
by Megan Whitby | 28 Oct 2021
Bulgari Hotels & Resorts will open a luxury resort in Los Angeles in 2025. The foundation of the development – a property formerly known as The Retreat – will be upgraded and expanded with the addition of new structures, all built to LEED Platinum standards. Located in the Santa Monica Mountains, less than five miles from Rodeo Drive, the property is surrounded by 33 acres of hillside parkland, with striking views.
WilkinsonEyre-designed Compton and Edrich stands revealed at Lord's Cricket Ground
by Tom Walker | 20 Oct 2021
Work has been completed on two new spectator stands at Lord's Cricket Ground in London, UK, adding 2,600 seats to the total capacity of "the home of cricket". The Compton and Edrich stands, designed by WilkinsonEyre, form an integral part of the Marylebone Cricket Club’s (MCC) plans to future-proof the historic venue. The two new stands, designed in partnership with structural engineers Buro Happold, deliver improved sightlines and an enhanced
V&A renames childhood museum as part of £13m redevelopment
by Tom Walker | 13 Oct 2021
Construction work has begun on a £13m redevelopment project which will look to transform the V&A Museum of Childhood into the UK’s "premier national museum" entirely dedicated to children. Designed by De Matos Ryan and AOC Architecture, the revamp of the iconic Grade II* listed site in Bethnal Green, London, UK will provide the museum with an entirely new visitor experience. Plans include three new galleries – called Play, Imagine
Red Sea Development unveils plans for Oppenheim-designed desert mountain resort
by Megan Whitby | 01 Oct 2021
The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), the developer behind the ambitious regenerative tourism project The Red Sea Project (TRSP) in Western Saudi Arabia, has revealed plans for the destination’s new mountain resort named Desert Rock. Created by architectural design firm Oppenheim Architecture, Desert Rock is being designed to protect and preserve the environment and will allow guests to connect with the nature and local culture of the region. The 60-key
noa* sensitively transforms 17th-century monastic garden into wellness haven
by Megan Whitby | 30 Sep 2021
Architecture and interior design firm Network of Architecture (noa*) has breathed new life into the former Monastery Serve di Maria Addolorata in Trentino, situated at the northern tip of the iconic Lake Garda in Italy. Noa*’s vision was to restore the building’s spiritual dimension and make its most distinctive elements the main features of a charming hotel, named Monastero Arx Vivendi. The 40-room complex and its extensive garden are encompassed
Wellness real estate market nearly doubles between 2017-2020, finds new GWI research
by Megan Whitby | 28 Sep 2021
From 2017-2020, the global wellness real estate market expanded from US$148bn (€126bn,£109bn) to US$275bn (€235bn, £203bn). These figures were released today (28 September) in the Global Wellness Institute’s (GWI) new study, called Wellness Real Estate: Looking Beyond COVID-19. The GWI defines wellness real estate as the construction of residential and commercial/institutional properties that incorporate intentional wellness elements into their design, materials and building, as well as their amenities, services and/or
Canyon Ranch’s first urban wellness club to debut in Texas in 2023
by Megan Whitby | 23 Sep 2021
US wellness lifestyle brand Canyon Ranch is curating a members-only urban wellness club concept to help its guests lead healthier happier lives. The 26,000sq ft spa and fitness location will open within the US$250m (€213.4m, £183m) mixed-use development Crescent Fort Worth Development in Fort Worth, Texas. Crescent Fort Worth is being developed by Crescent Real Estate, a company owned by John Goff – the chair and owner of Canyon Ranch.
Bjarke Ingels and Marc Lore reveal plans for Telosa, 'world's most sustainable city'
by Tom Walker | 22 Sep 2021
Plans have been revealed for a US$400bn city which could be the home for up to 5 million people in the US. Billionaire investor Marc Lore and architect Bjarke Ingels have teamed up for the ambitious Telosa project, which is being touted as a sustainable metropolis in the desert. Lore – a serial entrepreneur who also served as president and CEO of Walmart US eCommerce until January 2021 – has
Pierre-Yves Rochon creates The Woodward, a new five-star hotel for the Oetker Collection in Geneva
by Megan Whitby | 13 Sep 2021
After five years’ construction, Oetker Collection has unveiled its first Swiss hotel, named The Woodward, in the heart of Geneva, complete with views of Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva. The hotel was born after a renovation of the existing building – formerly a hotel and bank – by architect Pierre-Yves Rochon – with spacious apartment-style suites in a refined, contemporary style. The design is enhanced by decorative elements including Lalique
Global Wellness Institute to hold inaugural Wellness Real Estate & Communities Symposium
by Megan Whitby | 10 Sep 2021
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) is preparing to host a Wellness Real Estate & Communities Symposium on 28 September 2021. The conference will take a deep dive into the fast-growing market and gather top executives, developers, investors, architects, designers, analysts, policymakers and media to examine the future of the market. The hybrid event is being hosted both online and in-person in New York City at etc.venues 601 Lexington. Hosted between
World's first Blue Zones Centre will open in Miami
by Megan Whitby | 09 Sep 2021
The team behind downtown Miami’s upcoming mixed-use development, Legacy Hotel & Residences, has signed a joint venture deal called Blue Legacy Ventures (JV) with faith-based nonprofit integrated health system Adventist Health. Together the JV will lease and operate a first-of-its-kind 120,000sq ft health and wellbeing facility called Blue Zone Centre. The location is Adventist Health's first flagship centre for wellbeing. Blue Zones employs evidence-based ways to help people live longer,
New champagne visitor attraction by Casson Mann and Atelier Phileas takes visitors on a journey 'from the earth to the bubble'
by Tom Walker | 31 Aug 2021
A new visitor attraction and cultural destination, located at the foot of the historic slopes of Aÿ-Champagne commune, is taking a fresh approach to exploring the history of champagne. Pressoria – designed by Casson Mann and Atelier Phileas Architecture – blends original heritage architecture and contemporary interiors with sensory and digital installations and event spaces to present the culture of the appellation. Described as a sensory experience that blends elements
Plesner Architects creates Six Senses desert wellness sanctuary in Israel's Negev desert
by Megan Whitby | 16 Aug 2021
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas has launched its brand new desert retreat called Six Senses Shaharut in Israel. With its secluded setting laid into a dramatic cliff with panoramic views of the Negev Desert, the resort is home to a 1,900sq m spa realised by Tel Aviv-based Plesner Architects. The facility is designed to offer a contemporary interpretation of nomadic structures, reminiscent of the Nabataean community which occupied the area
24-hour gym features in new £40m build-to-rent development
by Tom Walker | 10 Aug 2021
A new £40m build-to-rent development with a focus on wellbeing has opened to residents in Leeds city centre in the UK. Located on the historic site of the former Yorkshire Post building, the property features a 24-hour health club and wellness studio, kitted by Technogym, alongside a range of other amenities within its 5,300ft of shared social space. Other facilities include a large co-working space, residents’ lounge and games room.
Therme Group to expand global footprint with waterfront development in Toronto
by Megan Whitby | 02 Aug 2021
Global wellbeing organisation, Therme Group, has today announced plans for a CAN$350m (€236.3m, £201.8m, US$280.8m) waterfront wellbeing resort in Toronto, Canada, at Ontario Place. Working with the Government of Ontario and City of Toronto, the group will contribute to the revitalisation of Ontario Place, to further Therme Group’s vision of bringing wellbeing to all. Therme Canada Ontario Place will be a family-friendly experience with indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides and
New Passivhaus leisure centre by GT3 Architects will reduce energy costs by 60%
by Tom Walker | 22 Jul 2021
Planning approval has been granted to what is set to become one of the first Passivhaus-certified leisure buildings in the world. The new Spelthorne Leisure Centre in Staines, Surrey – which will be owned by Spelthorne Borough Council – has been designed by GT3 Architects and Passivhaus specialists Gale and Snowden. With sustainability and wellbeing at its core, the building will be optimised to reduce energy in use by up
Plus Architecture creates vision for hot springs retreat and spa in Perth Western Australia
by Megan Whitby | 20 Jul 2021
Proposals have been submitted for a AUS$25m (€15.5m, £13.4m, US$18.3m) hot springs development on the banks of the Swan River in Perth, Western Australia. Formerly Dalkeith Hot Pools, the site was a popular bathing spot for tourists and the local community from the 1920s to the 1950s. After reading articles about the history of Dalkeith Hot Pools, local investor and director of FJM Property, Barry Jones, was inspired to redevelop
John Puttick Associates creates Youth Zone with fitness, arts, sport and wellbeing spaces
by Tom Walker | 20 Jul 2021
A fitness club with a boxing studio, dance and performing arts studio and a four-court sports hall are just a few of the facilities included in plans for the new Horizon Youth Zone in Grimsby, UK. The 5,440sq m centre will also include a climbing wall, health and wellbeing room and an outdoor 3G pitch. Planning approval has been given for the redevelopment, which will be located in the town's
Microsoft's Israel campus designed to focus on 'evolution of work' features large corporate gym
by Tom Walker | 19 Jul 2021
A large health club plays a major role in tech giant Microsoft’s recently opened R&D campus in Israel, which was designed to "re-define office working". Located in the city of Herzliya, the campus has been designed in partnership with Vered Gindi Architects and GSArch and utilises Microsoft’s concept of team-based “neighbourhoods”, which is based on the idea of being big enough to offer public interaction but small enough to give
Ignacio Alonso overhauls Gurney’s Montauk Resort's thalassotherapy spa
by Megan Whitby | 15 Jul 2021
Gurney's Montauk Resort 's waterfront spa in Long Island, US, is being reimagined by architect Ignacio Alonso of Alonso Designs. The year-round 158-room resort dates back to 1926 and consists of a two-story building on an oceanfront promontory with a large saltwater pool at the upper level and treatment rooms at the lower level. Currently, the resort’s 30,000sq ft Seawater Spa is closed for renovations and will reopen in December
Saudi Arabia offers US$133m in loans to create 50 new attractions
by Tom Walker | 12 Jul 2021
Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has pledged to provide SAR500m (US$133m, €112m, £96m) worth of loans to companies, in order to create new attractions and entertainment projects in the country. GEA has signed a memorandum of understanding with the country's Social Development Bank (SDB), which will see soft financing opportunities being made available to investments that contribute towards the growth and sustainability of the Saudi attractions and entertainment sector
company profile
videos
BluGalaxy a Division of Blu Spas
Blu Spas
This animation showcases the beautiful concept design of BluGalaxy Spa.
Try cladmag for free!
Sign up with CLAD to receive our regular ezine, instant news alerts, free digital subscriptions to CLADweek, CLADmag and CLADbook and to request a free sample of the next issue of CLADmag.
sign up
features
"Funding woes and murky timelines are common problems. It can be easier to make a difference one small project at a time"
From parks designed to mitigate the effects of flooding to warming huts for one of the world’s coldest cities, these projects have been designed for increasingly extreme climates
From parks designed to mitigate the effects of flooding to warming huts for one of the world’s coldest cities, these projects have been designed for increasingly extreme climates
Catalogue Gallery
Click on a catalogue to view it online
To advertise in our catalogue gallery: call +44(0)1462 431385
features
features
cladkit product news
The dome aims to integrate technology with arts and culture
Christie® GS Series 1DLP® laser projectors are delivering vivid and lifelike visuals in a new dome theatre located in Xiong’an
...
LYRA has a sleek, cylindrical design complete with an elegant brass dimming switch
LYRA, GAMA, MONA and ATHENA are the first pieces from designer Atelier Alain Ellouz’s new.édition collection of handcrafted stone lighting
...
cladkit product news
LianTronics’ giant curved LED wall with stunning glasses-less 3D spaceship display effect has attracted many on the street of Chengdu,
...
A group of Dutch engineers have presented a new attractions concept that combines a flying observation cabin with LED digital
...
cladkit product news
Alemanno believes the stones are well-placed in the spa environment thanks to their capacity to positively support physical and mental health
Fabio Alemanno Design has expanded its collection with semi-precious stones to enhance spas, wellness facilities, hotels and private residences. The
...
The new winter design is finished with naturally occurring hexagonal patterns found in snowflakes
Siminetti unveils first glimpses of Mother of Pearl decorative surfaces inspired by the four seasons
Siminetti has collaborated with British designer Chrisanna London to create a luxury Mother of Pearl decorative surface range inspired by
...
