A terraced sports centre with visual connectivity across aquatics, racket, and gym zones, offering public terraces and column-free interiors.

Stacked Spaces for Sport, Spectatorship and Urban Engagement

CLOU architects has unveiled the concept design for Vanke Sports Hill, a 12,000 square-metre multi-sport centre in Taiyuan, Shanxi. Located along a diagonal urban passage, the stepped building accommodates aquatics, racket sports, and indoor athletics in a compact volume with open, column-free spaces and public access terraces.

Terraced Composition with Connected Interiors

The project arranges a range of sports programmes into a tiered structure. Each level hosts distinct activities while maintaining strong visual relationships across spaces. Public access is integrated throughout the terraced roofscape, creating an inviting civic interface.

Functional Zoning

The ground level features the entrance lobby, retail, bowling, rock climbing, golf simulator, and supporting MEP areas. The second level houses the swimming pool and changing facilities. Above, dedicated zones are provided for tennis, squash, studios, basketball, badminton, and indoor football. Each programme benefits from generous height and uninterrupted spans.

Diagonal Public Passage

Responding to the site’s diagonal pedestrian corridor, the architecture opens up towards the city, promoting visibility and permeability. Visual transparency enhances wayfinding and encourages interaction between athletes and visitors.

A Sports Centre as Urban Platform

Terraces and external stairs offer outdoor gathering spaces and viewing points, reinforcing the project’s civic role. Outdoor sports areas and landscaped zones further complement the indoor functions.