Unveiling “BE1ST”: A Fusion of Sports and Family Interaction

Architects: waa | Area: 1275 m² | Year: 2023 | Photographs: Fangfang Tian | Main Contractor: LT Construction | Structure Consultant: LAVA Structural Engineers

Creating an Atlas of Superpowers

Exploring Body Movement through Play

The sports architecture of Chao Yang Qu, China, has welcomed a transformative addition, the “BE1ST,” a family-focused sports center conceived by waa. Functioning as an “Atlas of Superpower,” BE1ST aims to nurture body movement awareness and development through play. Waa’s design envisions a series of family centers, each representing unique superpowers observed in the world. The inaugural edition immerses visitors in the wonders of arid land plants with extraordinary survival abilities: saguaro (Carnegiea), Golden Barrel (Echinocactus), and Prickly pears (Opuntia).

A Diverse Program for All Ages

Sports, Learning, and Play Unite

The program integrates a range of sports and family activities, fostering shared learning experiences. From yoga and exercise classes to VR and AR group games, high-altitude coordination obstacles, and traditional games, BE1ST offers a dynamic space. Complemented by food and beverage areas and resting spaces, the center caters to diverse interests and ages.

Architectural Harmony with Play

Balancing Architecture and Toy Integration

Waa emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between architecture and toy integration. To infuse a playful spirit into the space, the design strategically integrates two selected games: a hooped frame and barrel tower. The focus on vertical circulation ensures a seamless blend of architecture and play elements.

Exploring Playful Structures

Three Distinct Cactus-inspired Installations

1. Barrel Cactus:

• Transforms the interior into an exploration tool with interconnected spherical forms.
• Encourages children to exercise climbing and crawling abilities.

2. Hoop Cactus:

• Optimizes the structural morphology of the cactus.
• Features circular rings supporting climbing nets, slides, high-altitude training elements, and decorative lighting.

3. Saguaro:

• Utilizes the vertical form of the Saguaro cactus for furniture elements.
• Offers climbing points, swinging arms, steps, and higher vantage points.

Terrain and Fusion of Play

From Sand Dunes to Obstacle Training

The venue’s floor mimics sand dunes using trapezoidal standard blocks, creating a basic physical obstacle training area. Combined with cacti forms, the ground transforms into a comprehensive sports venue.

Synthesizing Structure and Play

Elevating Play in Form and Function

The design underscores the balance between architecture and toy integration, moving beyond segregated zones to synthesize structural systems that respond to play programs. Play equipment is not merely visually aligned but is functionally embedded, enhancing the overall enjoyment for families.

In conclusion, the BE1ST sports center in Chao Yang Qu represents a groundbreaking approach to family-oriented sports architecture, seamlessly blending playfulness with structural innovation.