An Atlas Of Superpower / Waa

Architects: waa / we architech anonymous
Area: 1275 m²
Year: 2023
Photography: Fangfang Tian
Lead Architects: Di Zhang, Jack Young
Project Team: Ke Qiao, Jingbo Zang, Xiaonan Liu, Lang Ye, Xiaona Yu, Haohan Kong, Weizheng Zhang
Main Contractor: LT Construction
Structure Consultants: LAVA Structural Engineers
Clients: Shanghai Neibo
City: Chao Yang Qu
Country: China

An Atlas of Superpower by waa (we architech anonymous) is a family-oriented sports center in Beijing. Completed in 2023, the center features interactive environment inspired by cacti, integrating architectural and toy elements. These spaces, designed to resemble different cactus species, offer diverse activities such as climbing, VR games, and high-altitude training, blending playful design with educational themes.

An Atlas of Superpower reshaped architecture at a children’s scale, and materiality played a crucial role. Accessibility and material choices were tested extensively to ensure they were functional and safe. A cactus-inspired hoop steel structure supports three levels of access to play activities, clad in an impact-resistant sandwich of foam and durable fabric. The undulating ground, which varies in difficulty, acts like an obstacle course, requiring materials that handle impact while maintaining durability. Every angle was ergonomically engineered to prevent obstructions and ensure a secure play experience.
Interview with Di Zhang and Jack Young of waa

“An Atlas of Superpower” is a sports center in Beijing, focusing on body movement awareness and development through playful activities. The BE1ST, or “Atlas of Superpower,” collects unique qualities observed in nature, each representing a “superpower.” The architect was commissioned to create a series of family centers centered on sports activities. Each BE1ST location embodies one of these superpowers, inspired by a mythical island concept where special organism thrive. In this first edition, the focus is on arid landscapes and the superpowers of plants like cacti, which survive extreme climates through unique adaptations. The venue features simulations of three cactus species: saguaro (Carnegiea), golden barrel (Echinocactus), and prickly pear (Opuntia).

The program includes various activities for family participations, such as yoga, exercise classes, VR and AR group games, and high-altitude coordination obstacles, along with traditional games. These are complemented by food and beverage areas and resting spaces. The project emphasizes the integration of architecture and toys, creating spaces that encourage playful interaction. Vertical circulation is highlighted, with two selected games—the hooped frame and barrel tower—integrated into the design.

The “Barrel Cactus” installation uses seven interconnected spherical forms to create an interior exploration tool, allowing children to practice climbing and crawling. The barrel spheres form a network, with additional freestanding columns supporting the internal activities. Children can also explore the barrel’s perimeter, adding another layer of play.

The “Hoop Cactus” installation optimizes the structural morphology of cacti, using 28 circular rings arranged radially to create two symmetrical spatial structures. Constructed with prefabricated steel tubes, the frame is clad with cushioning, and the loops are divided into 12 segments. This loop framework supports horizontal climbing nets, slides, high-altitude training elements, and decorative lighting, forming the primary structure for vertical play.

“Saguaro” furniture elements, inspired by the vertical form of the saguaro cactus, are distributed throughout the space. These cushioned modules serve as climbing points, swings, steps, and vantage points, also functioning as planning tools to divide areas, guide visually, and provide lighting fixtures.

The venue’s floor is designed to resemble sand dunes, using trapezoidal blocks arranged in three dimensions to create a physical obstacle training area. Combined with the elevated areas formed by different cacti, the design creates a comprehensive sports venue.

The project emphasizes the balance between architecture and toy integration in a family-oriented sports environment. Climbing structures and the topographical floor blend form and function, moving beyond the traditional segregated zones to a synthesis of structural systems and lay programs. The design aims to enhance the family experience by embedding play apparatus into the architecture, responding to site-specific opportunities, and integrating circulation pathways, ultimately elevating the enjoyment for all participants.