Revolutionizing Urban Spaces: The Growing Sports Park

Award-winning design by Lai Jun, Gong Xin and Zhang Xuan redefines urban green spaces

The Growing Sports Park is a testament to the power of innovative design in transforming urban spaces. The project, located at the heart of Xihongmen Town, Daxing District, was conceived as a park-style structure that would serve as a beacon in the city. The design team, led by Lai Jun, Gong Xin, and Zhang Xuan, embarked on this ambitious project in 2011, with the construction completed in 2016.

The design of the park is a masterful blend of architecture, landscape, and interior design. The designers utilized a 'Folded land utilization' approach to maximize the value of the limited land resource. This resulted in a multi-level central courtyard and social space that is open to the city, providing ample outdoor playgrounds and urban landscaping.

One of the unique features of the Growing Sports Park is its semi-underground swimming pool, created by planning a sunken plaza. This innovative solution addressed the contradiction between the space limitation and the massive volume of the gymnasium. The designers also employed a parametric design to handle the complexity of the project, resulting in a streamlined, dynamic building that integrates seamlessly with the space.

The Growing Sports Park also stands out for its commitment to green design. The designers integrated 'green' into the entire design system, creating an urban green island that has been rated as a three-star green building in China. The park features a ground source heat pump, a solar water heating system, and a roof and ground rainwater recycling system, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.

Despite the challenges, the Growing Sports Park has been a resounding success. The designers noted the fulfillment they felt when they saw children running on the track during a return visit to the project. This park-style structure has indeed become a bright spot in the city, providing a space that integrates health experience into a green environment.

In conclusion, the Growing Sports Park is a shining example of how innovative design can transform urban spaces. This project showcases the power of green design, parametric design, and a focus on community engagement in creating spaces that are not only functional but also enhance the quality of life for the community. The recognition it has received, including the prestigious Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award, is a testament to the vision and talent of its designers, Lai Jun, Gong Xin, and Zhang Xuan.