about
about
Cloud 9 Sports Center
MAD Architects
The design is driven by the site’s existing eight cooling towers required for the surrounding office buildings. Rather than hide these utilitarian structures, MAD chose to embrace them by wrapping the towers in a floating, cloud-like veil. Atop the towers, an aerial gymoverlooks the adjacent park, transforming infrastructure
into an unlikely community asset.
Professional Work
Project courtesy of MAD Architects
Involved SD to DD 2021-2023
Project Completed 2026
Shijiazhuang, a city that developed around the railway construction in the early 20th century, began the redevelopment and planning of its Central Business District (CBD) in the heart of the old city in 2018. A series of historic buildings, including the train station, which bear witness to the city’s development and spirit, have been preserved. Alongside the new urban planning and architecture, the Shijiazhuang CBD will become a dynamic urban living room that reflects the city's history and character.​
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The project is located in the northern part of the CBD, within Central Park, covering an area of approximately 6,000 square meters. It includes a gym, indoor tennis courts, outdoor courts, and supporting commercial spaces. With surrounding areas primarily consisting of residential, office, commercial, and dining establishments, Central Park has become a rare oasis within the city.
bird view render courtesy of MAD Architects
"foggy snow day" photo courtesy of rednote
To address the underground ventilation issue in the area, several cooling towers create approximately 5,200 cubic meters of ground-level obstruction. MAD’s design cleverly elevates the cooling towers to the second floor, surrounding them with an elevated activity level.
diagram courtesy of MAD Architects
The roof of the first floor extends in four directions to the park interface, partially covered with greenery, seamlessly connecting the building with the urban natural environment, forming a three-dimensional oasis.
diagram courtesy of MAD Architects
MAD envisions the sports center, located within the park, not only as a place for people to exercise but also as an extension of the park itself. The exterior of the building is wrapped in translucent membrane material, transforming it into a lightweight "cloud" that reflects the surrounding environment. Public spaces such as the outdoor courts and gently sloping green areas, which are open to the public, are cleverly arranged around the building, seamlessly integrating with the park’s three-dimensional layout.
render courtesy of MAD Architects
photo courtesy of rednote
The exterior of the second and third floors is clad in ETFE membrane material with a metallic finish. Through the reflection of the surrounding environment on the membrane, the building’s volume is significantly diminished, while also addressing the visual obstruction caused by the cooling towers. The cityscape and public activities are reflected on the building’s façade, transforming the sports center into a display interface for urban life.
render courtesy of MAD Architects
A semi-outdoor staircase is located on the side of the building adjacent to Central Park. Even citizens who do not use the sports facilities can walk through the staircase, passing by rest bars along the way, and ascend to the third-floor observation deck for panoramic views.
render courtesy of MAD Architects
The gym on the top floor features a 360° surrounding glass curtain wall. Citizens exercising indoors can enjoy the surrounding city views while working out.
photo courtesy of rednote
sky gym render courtesy of MAD Architects
The green slopes surrounding the building and the second-floor platform act as a buffer between the building and the city. The circular running track integrates the building with Central Park, while outdoor spaces such as the tennis courts, stepped plaza, and rooftop observation deck form a dynamic, tiered space for outdoor exercise, relaxation, and leisure.
