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Architects: waa
- Area: 1275 m²
- Year: 2023
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Photographs:Fangfang Tian
Text description provided by the architects. Narrative. A sports centre for the family focuses on Body Movement awareness and development, through play. The BE1ST an “Atlas of Superpower” is a collection of special qualities we can observe in the world around us. waa was commissioned to design a series of family centre’s focusing on sports activity. We believe to collect superpowers of All age family mermbers development, each BE1ST will represent one of these superpowers. The concept focus’s around a fictitious mythical island which situates specific locations these special super organisms embodying superpowers. In this first edition of the series we selected arid land observing plants with ‘superpowers’ to overcome extreme climates. Cacti can survive in extremely arid environments by storing water in their stems, and their robust root systems and needle-like leaves provide protection. We have simulated three representative cactus plants within the venue: saguaro (Carnegiea), Golden Barrel (Echinocactus) and Prickly pears (Opuntia).
General description of program. The program consisted of sports and family participating activities for shared learning. Activities include Yoga and exercise classes, VR and AR group games along with high altitude co-ordination obstacles along with more traditional games, supplemented with Food and beverage and resting spaces. Location of play/architecture cross over. The project highlights the balance between architecture and Toy Integration. waa believes that any space to be considered playful, An opportunity is required to be arranged for these two elements to be integrated. Each site will present new opportunities, emphasis was on vertical circulation and the integration in this particular case are two selected games where a hooped frame and barrel tower.
1. a) Barrel Cactus: Using the interconnected relationship between seven spherical forms, we have transformed the interior into a large exploration tool, allowing children to exercise their climbing and crawling abilities. The barrel spheres are a network projected into a sphere. Additional freestanding column supports where needed to support the internal game. This Children can also explore the perimeter of the barrel so process of encasing also formed an additional activity.
1. b) Hoop Cactus: We have optimized the structural morphology of the cactus and referenced the spatial relationships found in cellular structures. Using 28 circular rings with diameters of 4.14 meters and 3.1 meters, we have constructed two symmetrical spatial structures each arranged in a radial manor. Constructed with prefabricated steel tube sections the frame is welded into place and clad with cushioning with each loop split into 12 segments. On this Loop framework, we have incorporated horizontal climbing nets, slides, high-altitude training elements, and decorative lighting. It serves as the primary framework within the space, supporting and positioning the main vertical play facilities
1. c) Saguaro: Furniture elements utilizing the vertical form of the Saguaro cactus, have evenly distributed them throughout the space. The cushioned module is elevated from furniture and utilized as a design devise to enable support for intuitive play functions including climbing points, swinging arms and steps or a higher vantage points. As a planning tool the Sagaro can be used to divide elements between different areas, as a Visual way finding systems and can provide fixings for functional lighting have all been implemented through the singular modular element.
1. d) Terrain: The overall terrain of the venue's floor is designed to resemble sand dunes. We have abstracted the form of the dunes using trapezoidal standard blocks measuring 450x450 millimeters. By stacking and arranging these standard modules in three dimensions, the ground has been transformed into a basic physical obstacle training area. Combined with the hollow and elevated areas formed by cacti of different forms, a complete sports venue is created.
Wrap up. The design highlights the balance maintained between architecture and toy integration in a family oriented sports environment. Both Climbing Armatures and topographical floor are adapted to fuse the performance of play in their form. Elevating the traditionally accepted strategy of segregated zones arranged in plug-in planning manor, to an ambition to synthesize structural systems to respond to play programs. The integration of play equipment which is not solely visually aligned into the language but also is functionally embedded within Play Apparatus can be achieved through qualities relating to scale, responding to site specific opportunities, and embedding key circulation. Will we believe will enhance the enjoyment for the family and enhance enjoyment.
