Designed by Ballistic Architecture Machine (BAM), an unconventional multidisciplinary design firm with offices in Beijing, Shanghai, and New York, Tianjin 4A Sports Park takes an innovative approach to embedding learning environments in public spaces through play, while rethinking the role of parks in dense cities and reimagining our relationship with nature.
The current site context is that of a modern city building over the remains of the historical town of Yixying. Following the construction of a Grand Canal, residents of Yixing moved their entire village by reconstructing a facsimile to the north of Tianjin City. While the historical town itself was destroyed, BAM took as a starting point the original urban plan of Yixing, aiming to bring to the fore its lost history while giving back to the community in contemporary form.
The project is roughly divided into four plots that overlap each other. These quadrants are defined by a central axis that runs northwest to southeast, connecting the residential district through the mall to the metro. The other axis is a large central plaza, providing an open space for activities and events.
Each quadrant of the park takes on a unique programmatic identity. The northern quadrant is sports-focused due to its proximity and connectedness to the residential district to the north. The eastern quadrant is a food-oriented quadrant that connects down to the B1 and metro lines, where the main food and beverage facilities are. The food area spills across the axis to the southern quadrant, which is heavily programmed with different play environments. The play environment of the southern quadrant connects to the interior family-based programs of the retail area and also spills across the central plaza to create an active water feature: the water maze.
The water maze is one of four mazes that define the western quadrant. The hedge maze, the earth maze, and the wood maze areas all interconnect, providing a variety of different maze environments for families to enjoy with ample viewing space. The architects explain that spatially, the mazes echo the feel of the ancient town with its meandering streets. Symbolically, the mazes represent the learning journey, reminding visitors that we continually seek our own unique path in life.
Another interactive environmental element on site is the play 'n learn 'Water Mountain.' This water feature is an interactive hydrology model—a miniature of the Yangtze River delta landscape, the Three Gorges Reservoir, and the ancient Dujiangyan irrigation system. Children can activate water sources in the miniature mountains and create reservoirs using dams in specific locations along the water's route. However, if the water is not carefully managed, it will spill over into other waterways and continue its path to the ocean.
On the surface, this water feature reflects the Chinese landscape, agricultural and cultural development, and heritage. On a deeper level, the design speaks to humanity's role in heavily manipulating the landscape. This feature turns an idea, potentially far too large and abstract for a child to comprehend, into a play environment where learning is not didactic but inherent in the play.
The park fulfills its main ecological function by generating greater awareness of environmental issues through two key features - a geothermal chimney and an interactive hydrological model water feature. The enormous chimney within the project site, which functions as a steam exhaust for the heated water naturally occurring in this region, is transformed by the BAM design team into the park's brightest highlight—a yellow eye-catcher during the day, and a shimmering watchtower at night.
Finally, by layering the design further with patterns of trees, plants, street furniture, and lights and playfully marking various activity zones with stripes, colours, and geometric elements, BAM has created a visually vibrant park that offers something enjoyable for everyone.
