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The BIT Sports Center, designed by Atelier Alter Architects, stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of education in China. As the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) moves away from traditional test-oriented teaching methods towards a more comprehensive approach, the sports center embodies the university’s vision of integrating science and liberal arts.

Contextual Integration

Located in Liangxiang, a satellite city of Beijing, the BIT Sports Center serves as an entry point to the extended BIT campus. Positioned amidst panoramic views of the Yan-Shan mountain chain, modern campuses, and urban parks, the design of the center reflects the site’s horizontality. Embracing the concept of “trajectory projection,” inspired by BIT’s research, the building stretches its form across the flat landscape, fostering a seamless flow of movement and ideas beneath it.

Material Sensitivity

Drawing inspiration from the greyish monolithic tones of traditional Hutong and the Great Wall, the project’s undulating roof mirrors the curvature of the Great Wall using modern construction techniques. The austere metallic architecture and parametric design language convey BIT’s pursuit of scientific and technological aesthetics. Despite Beijing’s harsh winters, the center offers 15,692 square meters of indoor athletic space, including a 3000-seat basketball hall, a 10-lane swimming pool, and facilities for martial arts and other sports.

Spatial Innovation

While the building’s form remains simple and compact to suit the climate, its interior complexity revolutionizes the conventional big-box typology. Inspired by the principles of Mies van der Rohe’s “Universal Space” and Cedric Price’s “Fun Palace,” the center fosters a porous campus environment that encourages visual and physical access to various activities. Spatial porosity promotes creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration among students, redefining social spaces and fostering networking and collective activities.

Educational Model

The architecture of the BIT Sports Center embodies a new educational paradigm, emphasizing learning through inspiration and active engagement. In response to BIT’s emphasis on the unity of art and science, the project echoes Leonardo da Vinci’s interdisciplinary approach to science, architecture, and art. Da Vinci’s concept of the “Flying Machine” is reimagined on-site, incorporating trajectory parabolas derived from Polytechnique studies. These parabolas form double curvature surfaces, shaping the undulating volumes of the building’s roof.

Technical Challenges

Despite the project’s parametric design and ambitious vision, practical constraints presented significant challenges during execution. Collaborating closely with structural and MEP engineers, the design team addressed issues related to wind pressure, water runoff, snow load, and budgetary constraints, ensuring the project’s successful realization.

In summary, the BIT Sports Center stands as a symbol of innovation in education, blending architectural excellence with pedagogical vision to create a dynamic environment that fosters learning, collaboration, and interdisciplinary dialogue.

The Ayla Golfclub, designed by Oppenheim Architecture, draws inspiration from the natural landscape of the Jordanian desert and the architectural heritage of the ancient Bedouin. Situated within the Ayla Oasis mixed-use resort development in Aqaba city, the innovative design of the clubhouse forms a striking focal point.

Organic Design

Spanning 13,000 square feet, the clubhouse is part of the initial phase of a vast leisure development in Aqaba. It complements the surrounding environment, which includes residential apartments, hotels, commercial spaces, and an 18-hole signature golf course designed by Greg Norman. The clubhouse encompasses retail, dining, lounge, banquet, spa, and wellness facilities, while the Golf Academy offers retail, dining, and indoor/outdoor swing analysis studios.

Integration with Nature

The architectural form of the Ayla Golf Academy and Clubhouse establishes a seamless connection with nature, capturing the dynamic beauty of the desert landscape. A massive concrete shell envelops the interior and exterior spaces, emerging organically from the sand. The curved shotcrete shell, resembling natural dunes, replaces conventional walls and ceilings, while curved openings frame panoramic views of the golf course and the picturesque Aqaba Mountains.

Cultural Influence

Perforated corten steel screens filter sunlight into the interior spaces, reminiscent of traditional Arabic ‘’Mashrabiya,’’ balancing natural light with privacy. Triangular openings in the screens, inspired by Jordanian patterns, echo the hues of the surrounding mountains, harmonizing with the colors of the shotcrete and rustic metals used in the construction.

Local Collaboration

The construction process involved a collaboration between Oppenheim Architecture’s European office and local craftsmen. Workers were trained in shotcrete pouring techniques, empowering them with specialized skills. Additionally, a local artist contributed to the project by applying traditional pigmentation techniques to the interior surfaces, preserving the raw, unadorned aesthetic that reflects the context and heritage of the region.

The Alvega Canoeing Center, designed by ateliermob, replaces the previous building while maintaining the same area and volume. Situated along the river beach of Alvega, its strategic location near the Tagus river, particularly in an area prone to winter flooding, influenced its design.

Elevated Structure

To mitigate the risk of flooding, the center is elevated above ground level, enhancing ground permeability. The walls are coated with black recycled plastic profiles, offering resilience against objects carried by the river while allowing water flow.

Functional Design

Internally, the center is divided into three sections: a cafeteria, a boat storage area, and changing cabins. This layout enables flexible management of each space to cater to different needs efficiently.

Public Amenities

The center features a terrace, barbecue area, and staircase, which can serve as an outdoor amphitheater, providing amenities for public use. These spaces offer opportunities for relaxation and socialization amidst the natural surroundings.

The Alvega Canoeing Center exemplifies a sustainable approach to architecture, integrating environmental considerations with functional design to create a versatile and resilient facility for both locals and visitors alike.