Urban Oasis Of Nexus: A Redefined Sports Centre

Architectural Services Department HKSAR Merges Sports and Nature in a Unique Design

The Urban Oasis Of Nexus, located near Che Kung Temple Station in Shatin, Hong Kong, serves as a sports hub in the neighbourhood. It includes a games arena, fitness room, dance room, activity rooms, and a children's playroom. However, the design goes beyond catering to active sports. It creates courtyards and gardens that attract the elderly for rest and light exercise, such as practising Tai Chi, a popular local exercise. The venue's natural setting enhances its appeal, making it an urban oasis for inter-generational enjoyment.

The design's uniqueness lies in its integration of active sports facilities and tranquil natural spaces. The layout is inspired by a nearby temple, creating a pedestrian route that meanders through functional spaces, courtyards, and gardens. Visual linkages are intentionally created between various spaces, enhancing way-finding, bringing different users together, and encouraging visitors to explore. The design encourages visitors to not only engage in sports but also enjoy seeing each other and appreciate nature.

The design employs passive environmental designs instead of highly delicate technology. The layout references traditional tropical courtyard houses, with central courtyards and all circulation spaces and lobbies being zero air-conditioned since they are protected from direct sunlight. Openings on the façade further enhance cross ventilation, significantly reducing energy consumption. Frosted and low-E glazings are used for windows and skylights to reduce direct heat gain while enabling natural lighting.

The project faced challenges due to the hill-side topography and limited site area versus the large area required for the main games arena and functional spaces. The functional rooms were carefully placed according to the sloped site to minimize site formation. A terrace arrangement was adopted to create various courtyards and gardens on different levels, forming a green spine that leads visitors from the low-level entrance to the hill behind.

The Urban Oasis Of Nexus was awarded Silver in A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2021. The award recognizes top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. The design's strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill showcase a remarkable level of excellence and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.