A new community sports center has opened in Qinhuangdao, China, designed by Atelier XÜK as part of the Aranya Ninth Phase development project. The Aranya North Shore Community Sports Center, covering 3,840 square meters and completed in 2024, represents a thoughtful integration of contemporary sports architecture with the area's industrial heritage.
Located just three hours from Beijing in the riverside area of the Aranya development, the sports center sits on what was previously underdeveloped industrial land. The architectural team, led by principal architects Liu Kenan and Zhang Xu, deliberately drew inspiration from the site's industrial past to create what they describe as "a medium connecting the past with present-day life." Project architect Sha Weiqi worked alongside a comprehensive team including Deng Tian, Huang Lin, Dai Yishu, Zhang Shuo, Zhang Pu, Lai Dawei, Zhou Jinni, Cai Tian, Wang Sizhe, and intern Tang Huilian.
The design approach focused on establishing what the architects call "a contextual foundation for the site by drawing on traceable fragments of collective architectural memory." Rather than completely erasing the industrial character of the location, the team sought to transform these remnants into a meaningful architectural narrative that would resonate with the community. This strategy aimed to provide residents with what they describe as "a rooted public space" that acknowledges the area's transformation while serving contemporary recreational needs.
The project involved extensive collaboration with specialized engineering teams to ensure the facility meets modern standards for community sports infrastructure. Shanghai Sanyao Architectural Engineering Design Co., Ltd. handled the structural design, with team members Miao Jianbo and Chen Tong leading the structural engineering aspects. The mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems were designed by Shanghai Zhisheng Architectural Decoration Design Co., Ltd., with Yu Xiaoming, Fan Xin, Mao Bei, and Luo Jin comprising the MEP team.
Construction oversight was managed by on-site architects Deng Tian and intern Yao Ziyi, who ensured the design vision was properly executed throughout the building process. The facility utilizes primary materials including glass, steel, and concrete, reflecting both contemporary construction techniques and the industrial heritage that inspired the design concept.
The Aranya North Shore Community Sports Center serves as more than just a recreational facility; it functions as a community gathering space that bridges the gap between the area's industrial past and its residential future. By incorporating elements that reference the site's previous use while providing modern amenities for sports and community activities, the center demonstrates how architecture can serve as both functional infrastructure and cultural connector. The facility now provides Qinhuangdao residents with a contemporary space for recreation and training while maintaining a connection to the area's evolving identity.
