This project draws its inspiration from the natural formation of volcanic islands, with an innovative design that merges two plots to create a mountain-shaped enclosure. Within this enclosure, cultural and sports public activities are strategically placed at the center, integrating seamlessly with the natural environment of Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City. The design is a thoughtful response to the local climate conditions, emphasizing sustainability while maximizing the use of scarce coastal space to provide exceptional waterfront views.

The development is divided into two primary components: the Deep-Sea Museum and the Sports Center, each occupying separate plots within the overarching mountainous form. The inner side of this form is brought to life by the Cultural and Sports Center—a dynamic composition of various activity boxes, each carefully arranged to create intriguing sightlines across different levels. These boxes house diverse functions, including sports, leisure, public gatherings, and commercial activities, fostering an environment where urban interactions occur organically and unexpectedly.

The Sports Center’s design also allows for open operation, blurring the lines between traditional enclosed sports spaces and the surrounding urban fabric. Meanwhile, the museum’s terraced interface is designed to mimic the unique canyons and slopes of the South China Sea. This creates a multi-dimensional exhibition space that integrates marine science, education, and green technologies. Visitors traverse exhibits arranged by depth, evoking a journey through the historical and scientific narrative of the South China Sea, thereby disseminating the region’s research and technological advancements throughout the city.

The architectural form of the project is inspired by the distinctive seabed mountains and slopes of the South China Sea, resembling a landscape shaped by the collision and compression of multiple landforms. The building’s stone-textured, ribbon-like windows reflect sunlight, shimmering like the ocean’s surface. This design element creates a striking landmark that embodies the essence of marine culture—a coastal beacon that symbolizes the oceanic heritage of Yazhou Bay.

