Neumatt Sports Center: A Colorful and Playful Space for Sports and Recreation

Bringing Joy and Inspiration to Sports Centers

Neumatt Sports Center, designed by Evolution Design, is not your typical sports center in Switzerland. Inside, it is a true color burst of green, yellow, red, orange, and blue. These rainbow-like colors not only help children navigate around, but they also tap into the way children see the world. The architects aimed to create a space that would not only serve its purpose but also bring joy and inspiration to those who use it.

One of the unique features of Neumatt Sports Center is its translucent glass façade, which reflects the color of the sky and changes throughout the day. This design choice allows the building to blend in with its surroundings while also giving it a distinct identity. The lower part of the building is adorned with a special sport icon pattern, further enhancing its unique appearance.

The interior of the sports center is designed to be both functional and visually appealing. Color is used both decoratively and as a navigation device. The changing rooms, for example, are colored rather than numbered, making it easier for users to find their way around. Each shower room features a simple concrete and wood design that is enlivened by bright shades.

In terms of technology, Neumatt Sports Center prioritizes sustainability and energy efficiency. The building features a geothermal heat pump that provides heating in winter and cooling in summer, eliminating the need for air-conditioning. The glazed upper level of the building utilizes capillary glass, which maximizes natural light while minimizing glare. These design choices not only reduce the building's environmental impact but also create a pleasant and comfortable space for users.

The Neumatt Sports Center is a 3-pitch sports hall located in Strengelbach, central Switzerland. The building works started in August 2014 and were completed in December 2015. It serves as a sports center for the local municipality, schools, and sports clubs, providing a versatile space that can be easily transformed to accommodate different sports activities.

The design of Neumatt Sports Center was driven by extensive research into the ecological potential of sports halls. The architects aimed to reduce the reliance on artificial lighting by maximizing natural light penetration using capillary glass. They also implemented natural night cooling through openings in the façade and roof, taking advantage of the natural airflow to avoid the need for air-conditioning.

Despite the challenges of cost-efficiency, the architects at Evolution Design managed to create a visually stunning and functional sports center. The use of bright colors inside enlivens the building, which is simple in both materials and construction. The building's design also takes into account the slight slope of the site, with one end of the building being higher than the other. The result is a sports center that seamlessly blends into its surroundings while standing out with its vibrant colors and unique façade.

The Neumatt Sports Center, with its colorful and playful design, has received recognition for its outstanding creativity and innovation. In 2016, it was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category. This prestigious award celebrates designs that demonstrate exceptional expertise, technical characteristics, and artistic skill, while also evoking positive emotions and wonder.