Wuhan Ski Resort,
design: CLOU architects
Riding the wave of winter sports popularity sparked by the Beijing Winter Olympics, a new ski resort in Wuhan responds to the growing interest of young Chinese in this activity. Located around a lake in the Huangpi district, it combines sports, entertainment and retail in a single complex. An international design bureau, CLOU architects, was responsible for the project.
Wuhan ski resort - indoor ski slope
Photo: Arch Exist © CLOU architects
Sports, retail and recreation
in one integrated complex
The architects tailored the project to the specific recreational needs of Wuhan, one of China's largest cities. The indoor part of the complex has an L-shaped projection.
Wuhan Ski Resort - a diagram showing the combination of the ski resort with shopping areas and an amusement park
© CLOU architects
The massing includes a 500-meter-long, 100-meter-high indoor ski slope, which is a key element of the project. A covered shopping center is attached to it. The building's façade consists of cascading, interactive pixel-like modules.
Wuhan ski resort - the key element of the complex has become an indoor 500-meter ski slope
photo by Arch Exist © CLOU architects
year-round recreational space
on the lake
Ski schools and an amusement park were located adjacent to the lake. The project in Wuhan exemplifies a modern approach to the creation of multifunctional recreational complexes that integrate a variety of activities in one location. The main idea of the architects was to popularize winter sports, making it possible to practice them all year round, regardless of weather conditions.
Wuhan Ski Resort - a diagram showing the combination of a ski resort with shopping areas and an amusement park
© CLOU architects
It's worth noting that in China, skiing opportunities can be harder to come by compared to Europe, especially in large cities like Wuhan. For many visitors, a trip to a traditional ski resort may be their first contact with the sport.
A ski resort in Wuhan
Photo: Arch Exist © CLOU architects
The main advantage of such complexes is the opportunity for beginners to learn the basics of skiing, as well as a chance to see if this activity suits their interests before they decide to take a full-fledged vacation at a ski resort.
Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of CLOU architects.
