A new architectural project in Shanghai's Xuhui district is changing how urban sports facilities are integrated into cityscapes. Designed by AAN Architects, the Moreprk Skyline is an elevated skatepark suspended 20 meters above the ground, enclosed in a glass structure that offers views of the city's highway and skyline.
The project redefines the traditional concept of a skatepark by transforming it into a vertical public space. Described by its creators as a 'three-dimensional theater open to the city,' it serves not only as a recreational area but also as a dynamic social hub and a distinct architectural feature on the city's facade.
Key Takeaways
- Moreprk Skyline is a vertical skatepark located in Shanghai's Xuhui district.
- Designed by AAN Architects, the structure is elevated 20 meters above ground level.
- The design is inspired by the contours of Shanghai's skyline, featuring fluid curves and slopes.
- It functions as both a sports facility and a public social space, aiming to foster community interaction.
- The skatepark is enclosed in a glass volume, making it a visible and integrated part of the urban environment.
A New Approach to Urban Public Space
In densely populated cities like Shanghai, finding available land for public recreational facilities is a significant challenge. Traditional skateparks require large, flat ground-level areas, which are increasingly scarce. AAN Architects addressed this issue by moving the entire structure vertically, attaching it to the facade of an existing building.
This innovative approach creates a new typology for urban sports architecture. By lifting the skatepark off the ground, the design frees up valuable street-level space while creating a unique landmark. The project, led by architects Junjie Yan and Yuxing Yi, demonstrates how recreational infrastructure can be woven into the vertical fabric of a modern city.
The project is envisioned as a 'three-dimensional theater open to the city,' expanding the role of the skatepark beyond simple recreation to become an active social and architectural interface.
Redefining the Skatepark's Role
Moreprk Skyline is more than just a place to skateboard. Its design intentionally blurs the lines between a sports venue, a public park, and an architectural installation. The glass enclosure makes the activities within visible to the city below, turning skateboarding into a form of public performance. This transparency aims to connect the skaters with the urban environment and passersby, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
The location, overlooking a major highway, further emphasizes its connection to the city's constant motion. The structure acts as a social platform, a meeting point where people can gather, watch, and interact, integrating sport directly into the daily life of the metropolis.
The Rise of Vertical Architecture
As urban centers grow denser, architects are increasingly looking upwards to create new spaces for living, working, and recreation. Vertical parks, rooftop gardens, and elevated public squares are becoming more common solutions to the lack of ground-level space. Moreprk Skyline is a prime example of this trend, applying vertical design principles to a sports facility.
Design Inspired by the Cityscape
The internal geometry of Moreprk Skyline is a direct reflection of its surroundings. AAN Architects took formal cues from the iconic Shanghai skyline, translating its sweeping lines and modern contours into the functional elements of the skatepark.
This inspiration is evident in the series of curved banks, rolling slopes, and continuous surfaces that define the space. The design language is one of fluidity and movement, creating a seamless environment that supports the dynamic and creative nature of skateboarding. Every surface is designed to flow into the next, allowing for endless lines and trajectories for skaters of all skill levels.
A Structure Built for Movement
The core design principle of the skatepark is fluidity. The architects focused on creating smooth transitions between different planes and edges to ensure an uninterrupted flow for users. This approach not only enhances the skating experience but also contributes to the project's overall aesthetic.
- Continuous Surfaces: The design minimizes sharp angles and breaks, allowing skaters to maintain momentum as they move through the space.
- Rolling Slopes: Gently undulating surfaces mimic natural terrain while providing varied challenges for users.
- Curved Banks: The walls and ramps are curved to guide movement and allow for creative expression.
This integration of form and function turns the architectural structure itself into an active participant in the sport. It is a framework designed specifically to facilitate and inspire movement, making the building an extension of the activity it houses.
Project Details
- Name: Moreprk Skyline
- Architects: AAN Architects
- Lead Architects: Junjie Yan, Yuxing Yi
- Location: Xuhui, Shanghai, China
- Elevation: 20 meters (approximately 65 feet)
- Photographer: Lv Xiaobin
An Interface Between Sport and City
One of the project's primary goals was to position the skatepark as an active interface between the sport and the city. By elevating it and encasing it in glass, the architects made the activity highly visible, challenging the perception of skateboarding as a fringe or street-level subculture. Instead, it is presented as an integral part of Shanghai's vibrant urban life.
The structure's appearance as a floating glass volume is a powerful visual statement. During the day, it reflects the sky and surrounding buildings, blending into the cityscape. At night, when illuminated from within, it becomes a glowing beacon that highlights the motion and energy of the skaters inside.
This visibility transforms the skatepark into a landmark and a point of interest. It encourages interaction not just among skaters but also with the wider public. According to the design team, this approach helps build a stronger community by making the sport more accessible and engaging for everyone, whether they are participating or simply watching from below.
Ultimately, Moreprk Skyline explores how thoughtful architectural design can elevate urban sports facilities from purely functional spaces to vital frameworks for social interaction, public visibility, and community building in the modern city.