Chinese architecture studio MAD has revealed its design for Cloud 9 Sports Center, a mirrored athletic complex designed as "a luminous cloud" with a wavy shape.
Created for the city of Shijiazhuang in China's Hebei Province, the 6,000-square-metre building will comprise an athletic complex with a gym and tennis courts as well as commercial spaces.
Cloud 9 Sports Center is wrapped in a mirrored facade
Its undulating shape was designed to resemble "a luminous 'cloud' that mirrors the natural surroundings", according to the studio. The building will be located in the northern part of the city's Central Park.
MAD wrapped Cloud 9 Sports Center in a translucent ETFE membrane material with a metallic coating that creates a mirrored effect to reflect the surrounding park. A warm orange colour was used for the interiors
Inside, orange hues contrast against the silvery facade. The building was also designed to showcase the activities taking place inside, with the translucent membrane offering views into the sports centre.
Underneath the roof, the top floor will have floor-to-ceiling windows that give gym visitors views of the park around the athletics centre.
The top-floor gym overlooks Shijiazhuang's Central Park
Outdoor tennis courts, public areas and green spaces were designed to integrate with the existing park, while the building's first floor extends towards the park and was partially covered in green plants to help it blend in.
MAD designed the Cloud 9 Spor...