BLUE WAVE

Blue Wave
Saadiyat Island | Abu Dhabi | UAE

Blue Wave | Official Video | 100 Channel

Blue Wave is a vibrant transformation of Mamsha Beach, a waterfront master plan designed to rejuvenate the coastline of Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. Commissioned by Aldar Properties, this reimagined project introduces a dynamic, fluid design that transforms the promenade into a destination for leisure, relaxation, and social interaction.

The defining feature of Blue Wave is its signature blue pavement, which undulates across the entire master plan like a wave along the shore. This element visually ties together the different zones, creating a cohesive and engaging experience for visitors. The blue pavement meanders through the project, leading people through carefully curated spaces that offer a variety of activities and experiences.

The blue pavement features dedicated lanes for both pedestrians and cyclists, enhancing the flow of movement throughout the space. Cooling stations and resting spots are strategically placed along the way, making it a comfortable journey for all. Cyclists can traverse the 1.5-kilometer length of the promenade in just minutes, with ample opportunities to stop and relax.

In designing Blue Wave, the concept moved away from a traditional central attraction, instead dispersing activity throughout the entire promenade. This strategy transforms the space into a large-scale, interactive urban experience. Visitors are encouraged to explore the entire area, engaging with various urban elements—seating areas, playful features, public pools, shaded lounges, sports courts, an open-air cinema, and more. Each section of the promenade offers something new, creating a rich and immersive environment for families, children, and young adults alike.

The project is thoughtfully organized into distinct zones to cater to different interests. The Active Beach Zone is a lively area designed for young people, offering sporting facilities, climbing walls, and social spaces for outdoor activities. Moving further along, the Water Sports Zone provides a balanced mix of fun and relaxation for families and children, with water-based activities, pools, and playgrounds. At the far end of the promenade, the Pier becomes a hub of excitement, featuring viewing platforms, sunbathing decks, and expansive areas for large events and performances, set against the backdrop of Saadiyat Island’s iconic cultural landmarks, including the Guggenheim and Zayed National Museums.

On the quieter eastern edge, the Private Beach offers a more intimate and exclusive retreat, complete with luxurious lounge areas and an open-air cinema for daily movie nights. Despite its peaceful atmosphere, this zone retains the same flowing design language, integrating seamlessly with the broader vision of the promenade.

Throughout the promenade, the undulating concave and convex shapes of the design take inspiration from the grid of the beachfront residential buildings, creating a harmonious rhythm between the built environment and the natural coastline. The concave sections facilitate easy beach access and host various activities, while the convex areas extend outward toward the sea, forming mini-piers and plazas that serve as focal points for gathering and entertainment.
The inclusion of a dedicated bikeway enhances the experience, offering both locals and visitors an enjoyable and efficient way to explore the entire waterfront, further emphasizing the promenade’s connectivity and accessibility.

The Blue Wave master plan transforms Mamsha Beach into a model of outdoor leisure and social interaction, seamlessly blending innovative urban design with the serene beachfront. It creates an inviting environment that encourages exploration, connection, and relaxation, redefining the promenade as a vibrant social platform and a prime destination for Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

CREDITS:

PROJECT NAME: Blue Wave
DESIGN: 100 Architects
100 ARCHITECTS’ TEAM: Marcial Jesús, Javier González, Lara Broglio, Mónica Páez, Keith Gong, Cosima Jiang.
CLIENT: Aldar Properties
SIZE: 1,500 m of coastline
STATUS: Concept Design
LOCATION: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi (UAE)

GREEN SKYLINE

Green Skyline
Hengqin | China

Green Skyline | Official Video | 100 Channel

With Green Skyline we turned an overbearing coastline walkway into a joyful and stimulating public space for the entire local community, turning a mere underused circulation space into an urban hotspot to stay and socialize.

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Overlooking Macau from Hengqin Island’s Waterfront, the project adds much-needed amenities and eye-catching platforms that promote outdoor lifestyle and social interaction among citizens, while creating a strong visual identity for Hengqin Island.

The intervention features a group of capsules designed with distinctive and attractive silhouettes, creating a colorful skyline visible from Macau. This unique silhouettes also function as engaging handrail with entertaining features such as telescopes, selfie spots, or different seating arrangements.

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At night, the project is illuminated with LED strips that accentuate the skyline silhouettes, creating a sublime visual effect. The overall night ambiance is quite enchanting, fostering an immersive experience of rhythm and color under the lit-up silhouettes, and transforming the overbearing surroundings into a human-scale urban landmark.

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While the outer surfaces are intentionally colorful and captivating, the inner surfaces of the capsules are crafted with warm wood finishings, offering a cozy place to spend some quality leisure time. These capsules serve diverse purposes, while some are intended for social gatherings and casual chats, others are equipped with playful installations like swings, seesaws, and slides, offering leisure and entertainment in equal doses.

On the city-facing side, an array of umbrellas with different seating configurations invites visitors to hang out, relax, and socialize under pleasant shadows.

@ RexZou

Credits

PROJECT NAME: GREEN SKYLINE
DESIGN: 100 Architects (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
DESIGN TEAM: Marcial Jesús, Javier González, Mónica Páez, Lara Broglio, Ponyo Zhao, Keith Gong, Cosima Jiang, Michelle Aldora, Jango Zhang & Yuntong Liu.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM: Matias Hernandez, Jenny Fan & Eva Jiang
SIZE: 651 m2
STATUS: Built
LOCATION: Hengqin, Zhuhai, China

LA BARCELONITA

La Barcelonita
Westfield La Maquinista | Barcelona | Spain

A playground that serves as a catalyst for social and commercial activity

La Barcelonita | Official Video | 100 Channel

©Dídac Balanzó

“La Barcelonita” is a strategic intervention of the iconic corner and pedestrian crossroad situated in the open-air retail street of Westfield La Maquinista, in Barcelona (Spain). Drawing inspiration from the characteristic vibrant summer vibes and beach hues of the famous beach of La Barceloneta, we named it “La Barcelonita”, envisioning it as the little sister of La Barceloneta.

©Dídac Balanzó

The project is a unique street intervention designed with simplicity yet effectiveness in mind. Positioned strategically in a key spot around the iconic corner known as La Quilla, it forms a central hub where various pedestrian pathways converge, encouraging a dynamic circular flow around the intervention, activating the public realm.

©Dídac Balanzó

Leveraging its location and geometric layout, the entire project revolves around this pedestrian node, acting as a ball joint that articulates a smooth pedestrian transition between one street and the other, while captivating passersby with its shapes and colors.

Pavements and objects are arranged in different stripes radiating from the geometric center of the perfect circle that it inscribes, where each stripe offers user-friendly amenities, including hidden trampolines and floor graphics, as well as volume-based elements like slides, ribbons, and seating features.

©Dídac Balanzó

Taking advantage of a blank wall, the project features an inhabitable vertical labyrinth with the look & feel of beach cabins, catering to the curiosity of children, inviting them to explore it, climb it, circulate it, and ultimately, leading them to a slide that brings them back to the central playscape area.

Additionally, a Food and Beverage (F&B) Kiosk at the heart of the project contributes to adding a level of commercial dose, boosting sales and drawing in customers.

©Dídac Balanzó

While “La Barcelonita” primarily functions as a playground, it also serves as a catalyst for commercial activity in the surrounding retail spaces. By increasing foot traffic and extending the time customers spend in La Maquinista’s facilities, the project contributes to enhancing the overall retail experience.

©Dídac Balanzó

CREDITS

PROJECT NAME: La Barcelonita
DESIGN: 100 Architects (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
DESIGN TEAM: Marcial Jesús, Javier González, Mónica Páez, Lara Broglio, Ponyo Zhao, Keith Gong, Cosima Jiang, Michelle Aldora, Jango Zhang & Yuntong Liu.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM: Matias Hernandez, Jenny Fan & Eva Jiang
CLIENT: Unibail – Rodamco – Westfield
SIZE: 500 m2
STATUS: Built
LOCATION: Barcelona, Spain
PHOTOGRAPHY: Dídac Balanzó
VIDEOGRAPHY: Catherine Gomez (Go Mess!)

SPARK X

Spark X
Sharjah | UAE

Spark X, spanning an impressive 85,000 m², is set to become the new experiential entertainment hub in Sharjah, UAE. The heart of this visionary project lies in its diverse offerings, featuring an array of amenities such as F&B outlets, retail spaces, outdoor activities, expansive exhibition areas, and versatile event and performance spaces.

Inspired by the project’s powerful name, Spark X, our design team harnessed the strength of these keywords, translating them into a dynamic and innovative masterplan. The result is a striking X-shaped layout, reminiscent of a mathematical equation (*+x), the final result is an 8 arms star symbolizing interconnectedness and unity.
This design choice spans the entirety of the park, ensuring a harmonious integration of every facility and circulation within the vast 85,000 m² site.

Located in Sharjah, Spark X stands out with its unique design – a large X-shaped masterplan. This innovative layout ensures that every facility and circulation is seamlessly accommodated within the expansive 85,000 m² site. The X-shaped design extends throughout the entire park, providing a cohesive and dynamic structure for an enhanced visitor experience.

To further enhance the functionality and experience of Spark X, we strategically assigned distinct programs to each arm of the star-shaped masterplan. Those aligned with the vertical and horizontal axes offer leisure and resting outdoor activities, creating serene spaces for relaxation. In contrast, the diagonally arranged arms house revenue-generating venues, including sports fields, exhibition spaces, open cinema and F&B establishments, adding vibrancy and economic vitality to the park.

Beyond its role as an entertainment park, Spark X is a thoughtfully curated space designed to cater to a broad audience.

Whether indulging in culinary delights, exploring retail therapy, engaging in outdoor adventures, or immersing in cultural exhibitions, the park is poised to deliver a comprehensive and engaging experience for both residents and tourists. As Sharjah’s commitment to tourism development takes center stage, Spark X stands as a landmark destination, poised to significantly enrich the city’s cultural and entertainment landscape.

As a testament to Sharjah’s commitment to tourism development, Spark X is set to become a landmark destination, contributing significantly to the city’s vibrant cultural and entertainment scene.

CREDITS

PROJECT NAME: Spark X
DESIGN: 100 Architects (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
DESIGN TEAM: Marcial Jesús, Javier González, Mónica Páez, Lara Broglio, Ponyo Zhao, Keith Gong, Cosima Jiang, Michelle Aldora, Jango Zhang & Yuntong Liu.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM: Matias Hernandez, Jenny Fan & Eva Jiang
SIZE: 85.000 m2
STATUS: Concept Design
LOCATION: Sharjah, UAE

LOOPY BRIDGE

Loopy Bridge
Shanghai | China

Introducing the Loopy Bridge, a groundbreaking urban marvel redefining the landscape of Shanghai’s public spaces. Inspired by the graceful undulations of water ripples, this architectural intervention transforms the conventional bridge into a dynamic, interconnected public space.

Located in the heart of Shanghai, the design of Loopy Bridge seamlessly weaves a pathway around the geometric patterns inspired by water ripples, creating a singular, harmonious trace. Each ripple, acting as micro- experience, is meticulously subdivided, allocating distinct functions to individual areas.

The bridge serves as a captivating link between two urban landforms, harmoniously merging them into a singular, expansive park.

The bridge’s meandering circulation is thoughtfully divided, catering to both walkers and joggers, each with a designated track that guides visitors through captivating “loops.” These loops, totaling eight, offer diverse functionalities, ranging from amphitheaters and open cinemas to urban lounges and playgrounds.

As visitors traverse the bridge, they embark on a journey through a myriad of public spaces, each loop unveiling a unique experience at the intersection of innovative design and practical functionality.

Loopy Bridge not only transforms the cityscape but also invites the public to engage with urban spaces in novel ways. It represents a fusion of artistic inspiration and thoughtful urban planning, providing an unparalleled and immersive experience for all who traverse its innovative pathways.

Welcome to the future of public spaces in Shanghai, where the Loopy Bridge stands as a testament to the endless possibilities of design and creativity.

CREDITS
PROJECT NAME: Loopy Bridge
DESIGN: 100 Architects (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
DESIGN TEAM: Marcial Jesús, Javier González, Mónica Páez, Lara Broglio, Ponyo Zhao, Keith Gong, Cosima Jiang, Michelle Aldora, Jango Zhang & Yuntong Liu.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM: Matias Hernandez, Jenny Fan & Eva Jiang
SIZE: 22.000 m2
STATUS: Concept Design
LOCATION: Shanghai, China

RICH BRIDGE

Rich Bridge
Sijing Ancient Town | Shanghai | China

“Rich Bridge,” a visionary project crafted by 100architects, reimagines the traditional concept of a bridge by transforming it into a vibrant social space, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Located over the picturesque Sijing Tang River in Sijing Ancient Town, Shanghai, this innovative bridge design marries modernity with traditional Chinese symbolism, creating a unique and inviting urban oasis.

The project’s name, “Rich Bridge,” derives its inspiration from the Chinese cultural significance of the number 8, symbolizing wealth and good luck. This association with prosperity permeates the very essence of the bridge’s design, where eight captivating capsules serve as hubs for social leisure and interaction.

To foster a more pedestrian-friendly environment and enhance social engagement, Rich Bridge optimizes the bridge’s available space. By reducing the number of car lanes from two to a single lane, an expansive pedestrian area is created. Along the bridge’s edge, the eight distinctive capsules are strategically positioned against the handrail, inviting individuals to explore and engage with their surroundings.

Each capsule’s design draws inspiration from traditional Chinese architecture, specifically the elegant shapes found in traditional roof structures. These classical forms are reinterpreted with a modern and sleek aesthetic, offering a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary design.

These eight capsules are seamlessly linked together by a vibrant red ribbon that serves both as a framing element for the capsules and as a public high table in between them. This functional yet aesthetically pleasing feature encourages social gatherings, relaxation, and appreciation of the scenic river views, making Rich Bridge a dynamic and communal space within the urban fabric.

“Rich Bridge” is not just a bridge; it is a symbol of unity, fortune, and the vibrant pulse of urban life, representing a fusion of tradition and modernity that enhances the cultural and social experience of Sijing Ancient Town.

Credits

PROJECT NAME: Rich Bridge
DESIGN: 100 Architects (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
DESIGN TEAM: Marcial Jesús, Javier González, Mónica Páez, Lara Broglio, Ponyo Zhao, Keith Gong, Cosima Jiang, Michelle Aldora, Jango Zhang & Yuntong Liu.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM: Matias Hernandez, Jenny Fan & Eva Jiang
SIZE: 1.000 m2
STATUS: Concept Design
LOCATION: Sijing Ancient Town, Shanghai, China

WANDERING POOLS

Wandering Pools
Dubai | Abu Dhabi | Jeddah

A pioneering prototype that introduces movable waterfront floating pools to underserved communities and various areas of the city. This innovative concept spans across popular city spots, catering to leisure and urban activation. The project aims to elevate citizens’ experience of many UAE and KSA locations by providing a distinctive opportunity for enjoying the city from a different perspective. The groundbreaking concept has the potential to transcends cityscapes, infusing vibrant life into iconic city hubs while delivering unparalleled leisure experiences.

Wandering Pools | Official Video | 100 Channel

Dubai Creek, UAE.

Inspired by the geometries found in Arabesque architecture, the design draws from door shapes, geometric patterns and arches present in arabesque vernacular architectural elements. This inspiration takes on a contemporary twist through vibrant colors and abstract forms, resulting in capsules that offer a VIP-like experience within the premises.

Corniche Beach, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Al Fahidi, Dubai, UAE.

Designed as a versatile modular system, the Wandering Pools can be easily disassembled into compact docks and relocated to new locations for reassembly. All components are part of a pre-fabricated custom toolbox of amenities, including a water slide, diving platform, or a boat docking, which can be added or removed at will. These structures are constructed using CLT (cross-laminated timber), renowned for its flexibility and sustainability.

Jeddah, KSA.

Dubai Marina, UAE.

The floating system consists of a floating footing constructed from EPS white foam blocks interconnected by a metal structure. This floating slab acts as the foundational support on which a grid of steel beams is placed to create the ground floor for the project. Thanks to its exceptional buoyancy of 98%, this floating slab is virtually unsinkable.

The central floating platform of the project hosts two rectangular pools: a smaller, leisure-focused red pool, and a larger blue pool intentionally devoid of kids’ features. Surrounding this pool space are eight VIP capsules, each offering a private resting and leisure area with direct access to open sea swimming, and designed with the highest levels of open-lounge luxury, accompanied by colorful geometric patterns that pay homage to local architecture.

Dubai Creek, UAE.

Hatta Dam, UAE.

Positioned prominently on the central platform is a small roofed pavilion hosting a cafe and restaurant. Crowned by a viewing deck, this elevated space introduces an element of excitement with its dual water slides cascading down to the red pool, adding an extra layer of enjoyment.

On both ends of the red leisure pool, two open capsules contribute charm to the complex: one imitating an Arabesque arch, and the other taking the form of a large heart-shaped structure, serving as urban lounge furniture and offering selfie-worthy settings.

Al Fahidi, Dubai, UAE.

West Palm Beach, Dubai, UAE.

Essential amenities such as bathrooms, open bed-lounges, showers, and lockers are also thoughtfully provided. Furthermore, a pontoon extends into the sea, catering to boats and yachts.
The entire complex maintains a connection to the land through a floating pontoon, not only linking to the pools but also securing the project’s position.

Every detail has been considered to ensure a premium comfort, with essential amenities like bathrooms, open bed-lounges, showers, and lockers at your disposal. A welcoming pontoon extends into the sea, catering to boats and yachts, anchoring your aquatic experience.

The eagerly anticipated Wandering Pools are set to grace the shores of the UAE and KSA by the close of 2024. Our initial installations will dazzle at Dubai Marina, followed by The Palm West, Kite Beach, Al Fahidi Historical Quarter, Corniche Beach in Abu Dhabi, and the Jeddah waterfront, among other iconic locations. Stay tuned as we redefine how you enjoy the urban landscapes of Dubai. Join us in the pursuit of a fresh perspective and indulge in the unparalleled charm of the Wandering Pools.

Kite Beach, Dubai, UAE.

Dubai Creek, UAE.

Dubai Marina, UAE.

Al Fahidi, Dubai, UAE.

Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE.

Credits

PROJECT NAME: Wandering Pools
DESIGN: 100 Architects (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
DESIGN TEAM: Marcial Jesús, Javier González, Mónica Páez, Lara Broglio, Ponyo Zhao, Keith Gong, Cosima Jiang, Michelle Aldora, Jango Zhang & Yuntong Liu.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM: Matias Hernandez, Jenny Fan & Eva Jiang
SIZE: 1.250 m2
STATUS: Design on-going
LOCATION: GCC (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah)

THE OTHER NEST

The Other Nest
Chengdu | China

The Other Nest 2023 represents an exciting evolution of our previous project, The Nest, which captivated audiences in early 2021. This endeavor exemplifies a captivating and dynamic public space that aims to enhance and beautify the urban landscape of Chengdu, the vibrant capital of China’s Sichuan province.

The Other Nest | Official Video | 100 Channel

Commissioned once again by our esteemed client, the New Hope Group, who expressed great satisfaction with the original outcome, we were inspired to leverage the intellectual property we had developed. Our objective was to create a project within the same narrative framework, utilizing the same “image” while adapting to the unique site conditions of a newly constructed residential area.

Both projects embody the concept of “urban toys for the city,” aligning with our belief that play is not limited to children. The 100architects team designed these two urban playscapes to evoke joy and entertainment for individuals of all ages. These colorful playscapes act as urban attractors, visually standing out amidst their surrounding environment.

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Just like the original version, the design narrative of this multifunctional playscape draws inspiration from the concept of a vibrant birth, where two newborns are nurtured by their mother. The three main IP objects, the birds, remain unchanged from the previous iteration. These vertical play structures serve as engaging elements for children to climb, slide, and discover various play opportunities.

In addition to the central play equipment, we have continued the theme of circular patterns throughout the surrounding space. These circles act as platforms for leisure, social interaction, and a wide range of other functions, enriching the multifunctionality of the playscape.

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Connecting all the circular components together is a meandering running track that spans the entire project, serving as a unifying element and transforming the playscape into a multi-functional circuit of events to be enjoyed by both children and adults.

Various features have been incorporated into this playscape, including a sunken sandpit, swings, a trampoline, a fitness core, a Chinese chess table, elderly exercise equipment, and seating components under an eggshell-shaped canopy, providing shade.

@ RexZou

To ensure a comprehensive urban intervention, we have enhanced the surrounding landscape with circular shapes consisting of lush greenery, bushes, flowers, and trees. Significantly increasing the amount of green areas, these additions create a green buffer that shields the playscape from the adjacent residential buildings.

The colorful EPDM flooring, designed to absorb impacts during play, showcases an array of patterns, graphics, and interactive games, facilitating connections between different spaces and activities within the area.

@ RexZou

During nighttime, the project comes to life through decorative lighting using flexible LED strips, accentuating the meandering shapes of the eggshells. This includes the eggshells representing the emerging chicks as well as the canopies providing shading. For functional lighting, lampposts have been designed with smaller eggshell-shaped lamps atop them

@ RexZou

@Rex Zou

@ RexZou

Credits

PROJECT NAME: THE OTHER NEST
DESIGN: 100 Architects (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
DESIGN TEAM: Marcial Jesús, Javier González, Mónica Páez, Lara Broglio, Ponyo Zhao, Keith Gong, Cosima Jiang, Michelle Aldora & Yuntong Liu.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM: Matías Hernández, Jenny Fan & Eva Jiang.
CLIENT: New Hope Group
SIZE: 2,200 m2
STATUS: Built
LOCATION: Chengdu (China)
PHOTOGRAPHY: Rex Zou
VIDEOGRAPHY: Rex Zou

CARPENTER SPACE

Carpenter space
A Landmark for the Community Inspired by Ancient Chinese Architect Lu Ban

The Carpenter Space captures the essence of traditional woodworking techniques and reimagines them within a contemporary playground of creativity and enjoyment. Located in the heart of Hangzhou, China, this project channels the legacy of Lu Ban, the revered father of Chinese architecture and master inventor.

The masterplan is designed with a strong visual impact, featuring a layout that is a modern reinterpretation of the traditional Chinese character for wood (木). This symbolic design pays homage to the rich cultural heritage that informs the project, embedding tradition into the very fabric of the space.

Central to the Carpenter Space is a striking play structure inspired by Lu Ban’s famous woodworking lock, reimagined as a three-story building. This dynamic structure invites users to explore and engage, offering a unique spatial experience that blends play with the artistry of traditional craftsmanship. Surrounding the main structure are vibrant play elements, including towering slides, soaring swings, and whimsical merry-go-rounds, all set within a lively and engaging environment.

The design honors Lu Ban’s craftsmanship with play equipment and architectural features that reflect his timeless techniques. Each play structure and shading element is inspired by different tools and locks created by Lu Ban, transforming the space into a hands-on learning experience. As users interact with the various elements, they are introduced to the possibilities and ingenuity of this master, learning through both play and observation.

The Carpenter Space seamlessly blends tradition with innovation, creating a setting where historical craftsmanship meets contemporary creativity. This immersive experience celebrates Lu Ban’s artistry and the enduring legacy of Chinese woodworking, offering visitors a chance to explore, learn, and connect with a rich cultural heritage.

CREDITS

PROJECT NAME: Carpenter Space
DESIGN: 100 Architects (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
DESIGN TEAM: Marcial Jesús, Javier González, Mónica Páez, Lara Broglio, Ponyo Zhao, Keith Gong, Cosima Jiang, Michelle Aldora, Jango Zhang & Yuntong Liu.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM: Matias Hernandez, Jenny Fan & Eva Jiang
CLIENT: Jiangong Xiangshanguoji
SIZE: 2700 m2
STATUS: Unbuilt
LOCATION: Changsha, China

MĂ WAY

Mă Way
Hangzhou | China

Mă Way is yet another twist in our recurring series of projects revolving around the concept of the Horse for our regular client, Dong Yuan. First came the popular HorseBox in Chengdu; soon after, the least abstract ones, HorseLand & SeaHorse, both in Chongqing; and finally, the latest, largest and most famous one, Pegasus Trail also in Chongqing.

MaWay | Official Video | 100 Channel

@Rex Zou

After 4 different successful projects exploring alternative ways of playing around same Dong Yuan’s IP image of the Horse, they reached out to us a 5th time for yet another fun twist. This time, for the public realm of a newly built residential development in the city of Hangzhou, our response was a bit more calligraphic: A playscape driven by the actual shape of the Chinese character Mă (马) which guess what? Yeah, it means Horse.

In order to be visible, recognizable and even readable from all the surrounding residential towers, we created a huge Chinese character in eye-catching monochromatic aquamarine green color, and then turned it into a playscape.

We realized that the character’s calligraphic stroke, when geometricized, was ideal for becoming a playful path or Way of entertaining activities filled with challenging obstacles & fun features for encouraging social interactions. Thus, its name, Mă Way. You do it your way.

Furthermore, the canvas onto which the character is calligraphed, the negative surrounding space, complement the path of playful activities with different pocket plazas for leisure, offering seating opportunities in the form of sunken plaza, and shaded areas for kids and adults alike, as well as sports areas for youngsters and teenagers or floor games for kids, converting the space in a multi-functional and multi-generational square.

Taking advantage of the independence of one of the strokes, separated from the main calligraphic body, we proposed a vertical play-wall, which when seen from above looks like a straight stroke line, and when seen from a pedestrian point of view, it becomes a challenging wall full of perforations & vertical games besides climbing and sliding opportunities.

Mă Way has been thoughtfully developed as a “Play Route” from end to end of the different character strokes, having into consideration different challenges and levels of difficulty for different age groups along the path. Calligraphy strokes on the floor set the path along which kids have fun and adults gather or have a rest, unifying them in a colorful path that gives shape and order to the Play Route.

Credits

PROJECT NAME: Mă Way
DESIGN: 100 Architects (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
DESIGN TEAM: Marcial Jesús, Javier González, Mónica Páez, Lara Broglio, Ponyo Zhao, Keith Gong, Cosima Jiang, Michelle Aldora & Yuntong Liu.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM: Matías Hernández, Jenny Fan & Eva Jiang.
CLIENT: Dong Yuan Dichan Properties (东原地产)
SIZE: 8,000 m2
STATUS: Built
LOCATION: Hangzhou (China)
PHOTOGRAPHY: Rex Zou
VIDEOGRAPHY: Lalo López