Architectural Innovation in Kangbashi District, Ordos, China

In response to the growing demand for a healthy lifestyle and public space utilization, PLAT ASIA has undertaken the transformation of the urban square, “SHIJIE,” in Kangbashi District, Ordos, China. The revitalization aims to convert the existing square into a technologically integrated sports park, fostering inclusivity and catering to the diverse needs of the community. Surrounded by residential areas, office buildings, schools, and an exhibition center, the original square lacked efficient configuration, professional facilities, and ample service spaces, prompting the need for a swift renovation.

Interweaving Landscape and Culture: 19.7-8.7×106 – The Land Fabric of Ordos

Spread over 87,000 square kilometers, Ordos encapsulates diverse landscapes, including deserts, steppes, and rivers. The park design draws inspiration from these elements, creating a micro-terrain that mimics the slow slopes and upsweeps of dunes influenced by the KUBUQI Desert and Mu Us Desert. The park incorporates undulating rivers and curved lines to construct dynamic routes, providing spaces for rest and community encounters.

All-Age-Friendly Comprehensive Sports Park: Unveiling Functional Diversity

Derived from the local land’s texture, the park’s layout and circulation paths are inspired by the land fabric of Ordos. The circular runway symbolizes a river, with the blue runway representing the sky and river’s reflection. The renovation introduces themed sculptures, a main runway, and arrays of comprehensive ball courts, catering to different age groups and exercise habits. From football pitches and basketball courts to a dedicated kids’ square, bike field, and exercise area for elders, the park caters to a spectrum of activities.

Wonderland for Kids: Merging Playfulness with Nature

Central to the park is a new architecture integrating a kids’ playground and the park’s management service center. This structure, equipped with a roof lookout, not only offers panoramic views of the park and the city but also features recreational equipment for kids. The semi-open corridor enhances transparency, fostering a connection between people and nature.

“Dune Ridge” in the Sunshine: Embracing Natural Thresholds

Retaining the character of woodland pasture in Ordos, the park provides spaces for human-scale leisure activities, such as camping. The design maintains tall arbor trees while removing dense bottom bushes, offering a transparent landscape layer that ensures psychological safety and a connection with nature. Shading systems, including membrane structure pavilions, complement the natural tree shelters, providing comfortable rest areas along tracks.

Smart and Healthy Habitats: Infusing Intelligence and Sustainability

The park embraces intelligent systems for management and interaction. Controlled lighting, jogging loop traffic monitoring, smart navigation, water purifiers, solar energy-based charging, and intelligent storage contribute to personalized and sustainable services. Prioritizing water circulation and green materials, the park maintains the original terrain’s height differences, introducing a route for streams and penetrated materials to balance water within the park.

Design for People: A Hub for Community Engagement

Since its opening in August 2023, the Ordos Smart Sports Park has become a hub for community engagement, drawing visitors of all ages. The intelligently designed facilities, including the kids’ playground and football pitch, have garnered praise, marking the park as a landmark in Ordos. Despite budget constraints, the project successfully revitalizes the urban square, steering residents towards a healthier lifestyle and bringing green spaces back into daily routines.