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Architects: Atelier KAI Architects
Location: Lin Fen Shi, China
Area: 10,400 m²
Year: 2023
Photographs: Weiqi Jin

Transformation of Industrial Heritage

Site Background:

Originally serving as the stockpiling area of a coal washing plant, the site in Lin Fen Shi, China, presented a stark contrast. The juxtaposition of local village houses and illicit structures against the colossal factory prompted the need for redefinition. With evolving national industrial and environmental policies, the Xiangfen Swimming Pool embarked on a transformative journey to amalgamate functions and redefine its identity.

Architectural Ingenuity

Polygonal Marvel:

Occupying the site are undulating slope-shaped polygonal structures, their roofs adorned with skylights and reflective materials, exuding an industrial architectural temperament. This design pays homage to the region’s steel mills and villages, blending familiarity with innovation. The juxtaposition of reflective vertical seamed zinc-manganese roofs against burnt black slabs and warm imitation wood interiors adds a touch of sophistication.

Spatial Harmony:

The pool area’s spatial composition revolves around two water surfaces and four groups of columns. The dislocated arrangement of the roof ridge, structural columns, and water surfaces yields a visually captivating, randomly multiplying spatial form. This design choice not only extends adjacent water surfaces but also pulls in natural light through a giant skylight, creating an awe-inspiring aquatic ambiance.

Integration with Nature

Continuous Water World:

Courtyards of varying sizes connect the Xiangfen Swimming Pool, weaving a continuous water world amidst the surrounding forest. The building’s layout strategically places the main swimming area on the east side, featuring a comprehensive 50-meter eight-lane pool at its center. Adjacent to it are a VIP pool and children’s play area, while the southeast houses a relaxing spa. The west connects to conference reception and furniture showroom areas, and the north accommodates catering and supermarket services. The second floor hosts a library, gym, massage room, and a non-hydrophilic circulation line connecting different functional areas with the stands.

Diverse Pool Spaces

Tailored Experiences:

The spatial characteristics of the main pools vary based on their intended functions. The three-lane VIP pool adopts a tall space with a mono-pitched roof and horizontal windows offering ground-level views. In contrast, the towering eight-lane swimming pool, reaching 15 meters in height, allows extended roofs on both sides, creating an outdoor swimming pool illusion with a stunning skylight. The children’s paddling pool, featuring a reduced roof height, offers a cozy and secure environment for young swimmers.

Conclusion: A Haven of Aquatic Elegance

The Xiangfen Swimming Pool in Lin Fen Shi, China, not only reinvents an industrial site but also introduces a new dimension to aquatic architecture. Atelier KAI Architects’ meticulous design transforms a coal washing plant stockpile into a haven of aquatic elegance, harmonizing with nature and offering tailored spatial experiences for diverse users. This architectural marvel stands as a testament to innovation and adaptability, providing the community with a revitalized and multifunctional recreational space.

Architects: EM2N
Location: Winterthur, Switzerland
Area: 21,900 m²
Year: 2018
Photographs: Roger Frei

Architectural Ambitions for Athletic Excellence

Strategic Ensemble:

Nestled beside the existing Deutweg ice arena in Winterthur, the WIN4 Sports Centre stands as a testament to architectural prowess, aiming to impact both local and international sports. Comprising three distinct volumes, this architectural ensemble creates a shared outdoor space, fostering a dynamic environment for both mass and top-level sports.

Staged Development for Urban Impact

Phase-wise Vision:

The initial phase unfolds with a new building housing a ball sports arena and an adjacent campus building. This strategic approach allows for a clear urban statement from the project’s inception. In the subsequent phase, Sports Wing 2, alongside other sports-related functions, is set to join the ensemble. A central covered foyer seamlessly connects these structures, enhancing the overall coherence of the complex.

Versatile Sporting Facilities

Ball Sports Arena:

The focal point of the project is the expansive ball sports arena, designed to cater to handball players from Pfadi Winterthur, the Uni hockey association, and various other local sports groups. The arena boasts a central pitch enveloped by raised spectator stands accommodating up to 2000 viewers. Ancillary spaces, including changing rooms and press facilities, are strategically located at the entrance level. Generously dimensioned circulation terraces lead to the stands, VIP areas, refreshment zones, and sanitation facilities on the first floor.

Comprehensive Campus Building:

Adjacent to the arena, a five-story campus building houses diverse sports functions. With a centrally positioned staircase, the campus facilitates access to sports medicine, fitness with an integrated wellness facility, and a sports school featuring classrooms. The multi-functional training hall complements the architectural narrative, visually aligning with the structures of the first phase to the north while respecting the existing district center to the south.

Outdoor Spaces for Community Engagement

Integrated Sports Park:

The outdoor spaces surrounding the sports center are meticulously designed, featuring an urban arrivals area, a landscaped district park, and expansive lawns for sports pitches. Beyond serving as a hub for athletic pursuits, the sports park, with its public pathways, adds value to neighboring residential districts, offering a leisurely retreat for the community.

Conclusion: A Dynamic Hub for Sport and Community

Embodying the spirit of architectural innovation, the WIN4 Sports Centre in Winterthur emerges not merely as a sports facility but as a dynamic hub fostering athletic excellence and community engagement. Its strategic development stages and thoughtful integration with the urban fabric underline its commitment to leaving a lasting impact on the local and international sports landscape.*

Architects: Abin Design Studio
Location: Chinsurah, India
Area: 230 m²
Year: 2020
Photographs: Edmund Sumner, Suryan // Dang

Empowering Youth through Sports

Government Initiative:

In 2017, the Bengal state government demonstrated its commitment to promoting sports and extracurricular activities by allocating a sum of 2 lakh rupees to state clubs and associations. This initiative set the stage for Abin Design Studio (ADS) to embark on a meaningful project in the culturally rich town of Bansberia, where football holds a special place in the community’s heart.

Architectural Response to Community Needs

Inspired Engagement:

Responding to a local coaching club’s vision of a clubhouse tailored for young football enthusiasts, ADS embraced the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the neighborhood. The Waterfront Arena, completed in 2020, reflects a harmonious balance between design, budget considerations, and a vision for easy maintenance. To fuel the initiative, a funding strategy engaged the local community and garnered support from city-based associates who contributed raw materials, setting the project in motion.

Strategic Location:

Situated against the backdrop of a water body and overlooking a football field, the Waterfront Arena maximizes its unique setting. The architectural approach embraces responsible waterfront development, utilizing the narrow strip of land to create a community-centric club. The ground floor encompasses a multipurpose gathering space with gender-specific toilet and shower facilities, while the upper floor transforms into a viewing deck for football matches.

Challenges and Sustainable Solutions

Contextual Sustainability:

Operating in a rural town facing infrastructural challenges, the project aimed at holistic sustainable development. Minimizing construction costs became pivotal, prompting collaboration with local builders, engineers, and community members. The use of locally sourced construction materials and engagement of local workmen not only reduced costs but also promoted inclusive and sustainable economic growth within the community.

Water and Sanitation Solutions:

Acknowledging the lack of clean water and sanitation facilities during training sessions, the Waterfront Arena prioritized providing a dignified solution. The building incorporates drinking water and showering facilities, with separate provisions for girls to encourage their participation in sports.

Architectural Harmony and Integration

Sensitive Orientation:

Designed to welcome the morning sun and provide shade from afternoon glare, the building’s orientation enhances the experience for both athletes and accompanying guardians. The monolithic form and minimalistic facade seamlessly blend with the natural surroundings dominated by greenery and water. Semi-open spaces facilitate a smooth transition between the interior and exterior, fostering an uninterrupted flow of people, light, and air.

Community-Driven Project:

Embodying a “by the people, for the people” ethos, the Waterfront Arena places the onus of maintenance on club members. Opting for low-maintenance materials and finishes, such as Form Finish Concrete and Pigmented Neat Cement Concrete Flooring, ensures not only cost-effectiveness during construction but also minimal upkeep requirements.

Cultural Symbol and Community Hub

Philanthropic Legacy:

Waterfront Arena transcends its utilitarian identity to become a symbol of culture and community recreation. A testament to philanthropy, this ADS initiative, supported by the community, represents hope for a brighter future for a rural community in a developing nation. The impact of the project extends beyond quantitative assessments, delving into the challenges it addresses and its responsiveness to contextual needs. The resulting structure is not just a clubhouse; it’s a shared space where individuals of all ages converge to celebrate, collaborate, and nurture their athletic talents.