西安思源学院体育馆概念设计丨中国西安丨Lee Xin,Giacomo Liviabella

THE CLOUD

Xi’an Siyuan University – Sports Hall Concept Design

The concept draws inspiration from the image of a cloud, symbolizing lightness, purity, and transformation. The gymnasium emerges from a compact and solid base that recalls the strength and permanence of Xi’an’s ancient city walls, deeply rooted in tradition and the sense of community. Rising above this foundation is a luminous, immaterial volume clad in translucent polycarbonate, which diffuses natural light evenly and creates an ethereal atmosphere that feels suspended and weightless.The internal organization accommodates both individual and collective activities. The ground floor hosts dance studios, ping pong halls, taekwondo, spinning, yoga, and fitness areas, complemented by offices, reception, and service spaces. The second floor provides a large multifunctional sports hall adaptable to basketball, volleyball, and badminton, accompanied by an elevated walking path reminiscent of Xi’an’s historic city wall, designed as a place to meet, relax, and observe.Architecturally, the project balances tradition and innovation through a dialogue between solid, rooted forms and light, contemporary materials. The result is a highly recognizable landmark for the campus — a building that embodies community identity while projecting a forward-looking vision of innovation and sustainability.

Guiding Idea: Inspired by the lightness and purity of clouds, reinterpreted through innovative geometries and materials.

Tradition and Community: The compact base recalls the solidity of Xi’an’s ancient walls and traditional brickwork, symbolizing strength and collective identity.

Innovation: The upper envelope is conceived as a luminous “cloud,” clad in translucent polycarbonate, providing diffused natural light and ensuring energy efficiency.

Interior Spaces: First Floor (1,590 m²): offices (354 m²) and gym area (1,236 m²) with rooms for dance, ping pong, taekwondo, spinning, fitness, yoga, and changing facilities.

Second Floor (1,776 m²): a large multifunctional sports hall (1,326 m²) for basketball, volleyball, and badminton, complemented by a 450 m² elevated walkway that evokes the historic Xi’an city wall.

Spatial Qualities: Light permeates the interior through small gardens and volumetric cuts, creating bright spaces with a “cloud-like” effect, while employing lightweight, durable, and cost-effective materials.

Architectural Character: A composition that merges static and dynamic elements, where the solid base embodies tradition and the translucent upper volume expresses innovation.

Design Team:

Lee Xin

Giacomo Liviabella