artLIVE – The An Atlas of Superpower Sports Center in China has captured the attention of many thanks to its architecture inspired by vast desert landscapes, turning sports training into an exciting journey through a magnificent natural wonder.
An Atlas of Superpower is located at 101 North Chaoyang Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China. Covering an area of 1,275 square meters, the facility was completed in 2023 by the architectural firm WAA, impressing the public with its distinctive and innovative design.
A team that embraces bold innovation
In 2005, after earning her Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Sheffield (UK), Zhang Di pursued a Master’s degree in the same field at The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London (UCL). It was there that she met Jack Young, a fellow architecture student from the UK. The two quickly developed a close friendship, bonding over shared creative ideas and aesthetic perspectives in their profession.
After graduation, Zhang Di and Jack Young continued working together at Foster + Partners — a renowned studio specializing in architecture, engineering, urban design, and landscape. Over three years, they gained extensive experience through large-scale international projects such as the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (UAE), Heathrow Airport terminals (UK), and Bloomberg’s London headquarters (UK).
The seamless collaboration between the duo encouraged Jack to join Zhang Di in her entrepreneurial journey back in China. In 2010, the two officially founded WAA — a creative studio bringing together a team of architects with extensive experience in architecture, urban planning, and landscape design.
WAA stands for We Architect Anonymous. By choosing this distinctive name, Zhang Di and her partner aim to freely express their own ideas without being constrained by factors such as client interests or brand value.
WAA’s designs focus on exploring the unique characteristics of each location and its stories. Rather than creating structures with flashy appearances, WAA emphasizes emotional connections between architecture and its users. They wish to liberate generations of citizens who feel trapped within the restrictive rhythm of modern life, giving them the opportunity to reconnect with the exciting environment around them.
In 2015, WAA completed their first project — the Museum of Contemporary Art Yinchuan (MOCA) — which gained significant attention both domestically and internationally. Located 20 kilometers from downtown Yinchuan, it was the first completed building within the Yellow River Arts Centre (YRAC) development.
Inspired by the sediment layers formed over thousands of years by the Yellow River, the Yinchuan Art Museum stands out with smooth, ribbon-like curves. In 2015, this project was honored at the AR Emerging Architecture Awards — one of the most prestigious global awards for young architects.
Exploring nature with an Atlas of Superpower
An Atlas of Superpower was created with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of physical activity and developing these abilities through play. Visitors here can engage in a variety of activities, including yoga classes, VR (virtual reality) games, obstacle courses, and more, while also enjoying delicious meals during rest and relaxation. It provides an opportunity for family members of all ages to develop themselves and connect with one another.
An Atlas of Superpower is part of the BE1ST family sports center project series. Each BE1ST is inspired by the special “superpowers” observed in the world around us.
The design of An Atlas of Superpower draws inspiration from the vibrant life of plants in arid desert landscapes, particularly cacti. Different zones within the sports center are modeled after three iconic cactus species: Saguaro (Carnegiea), Golden Barrel (Echinocactus), and Prickly Pear (Opuntia).
Saguaro cactus
The Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) is a giant, columnar cactus, distinguished by its smaller branches growing vertically upward. Designers used foam modules to replicate the unique shape of this plant.
They are installed throughout the An Atlas of Superpower space, allowing children to climb and play freely. Beyond dividing different areas, these brightly colored modules can also be integrated with lights to create a unique lighting system for the space.
Prickly Pear cactus (Opuntia)
At the center of the facility lies a playground inspired by the oval-shaped pads of the Opuntia cactus, combined with a hexagonal structure reminiscent of plant cells. This play area features a fresh turquoise color palette and is cushioned with a rubber-coated floor for safety.
The architects skillfully connected 28 circular frames, with diameters of 4.14 meters and 3.1 meters, using prefabricated steel tubes. These structures are integrated with hanging nets, height-training bars, slides, and decorative lights to maximize functionality. Visitors, especially children, can freely engage in various physical activities while exploring the space.
Golden Barrel cactus (Echinocactus)
This is considered one of the most striking features for visitors at the An Atlas of Superpower Sports Center. Fascinated by the spherical shape of the Golden Barrel cactus, the design team envisioned an immersive exploration journey inside the plant.
They created seven massive hollow spheres that reach up to the ceiling of the room. These spheres are interconnected, allowing children to climb, explore, and play inside. This area sparks a sense of adventure and curiosity, encouraging kids to confidently discover and interact with the world around them.
In addition to mimicking the shapes of various cacti, An Atlas of Superpower recreates the arid desert landscape by designing the floor inspired by sand dunes. Trapezoidal blocks measuring 450×450 millimeters are stacked in three dimensions, giving visitors the sensation of walking across the scorching sands of a vast desert.
A special connecting thread in the architecture
Notably, the An Atlas of Superpower Sports Center embodies a signature approach of WAA: emphasizing the connection between architecture and the human body.
Zhang Di believes that our bodies are shaped by curves, so our senses feel more comfortable when interacting with rounded forms rather than sharp or angular ones. Throughout the An Atlas of Superpower space, the interior designs feature smooth, curved lines, creating comfort and ease while ensuring safety for young visitors.
It can be said that the An Atlas of Superpower Sports Center has become an ideal destination where not only children and parents but everyone can freely engage in physical activities. With their ambition to transform seemingly familiar architectural spaces into something unique and captivating, Zhang Di and her team at WAA have turned exercising into an exciting adventure, akin to a thrilling journey through nature.
References:
Archello
Stirworld
Tatlerasia.com
zhuanlan.zhihu.com
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