XBOX Family Sports Center by Fun Connection: A Revolutionary New Trend in Sports Spaces

A trendy destination for Generation Z with functional sports aesthetics as the theme, it has integrated multi-functionality into the overall space design, creating an innovative and leading scene for indoor sports...

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Project's description: XBOX Family Sports Center in POPC, Shanghai, invested by Ningnuo Investment Management Co., Ltd and designed by Fun Connection, covers an area of 3,000 square meters. As a trendy destination for Generation Z designed by Fun Connection, with functional sports aesthetics as the theme, it has integrated multi-functionality into the overall space design, creating an innovative and leading scene for indoor sports.

01 Creation of Futuristic Industrial Aesthetics

XBOX Family Sports Center features an industrial architecture style, boldly challenging traditional architectural aesthetics and transforming the conventional style and appearance of such spaces. From a bird’s-eye view, the well-organized functional zones operate like a futuristic factory, autonomously and efficiently.

The eye-catching semicircular reception desk at the entrance, along with neatly arranged silver inflatable cushions, draws the attention of passersby. The shoe-changing area is designed for convenience, allowing customers to quickly start their activities, while the spacious and tidy environment provides a welcoming warmth to first-time visitors. Passing the turnstile, visitors enter a creative and imaginative wonderland where an expansive and lofty space suddenly unfolds.

The elaborate combination of predominant silver with blue and orange echoes the aesthetics of the Space Age. The stainless steel slide and the transparent tunnel spiraling at the core look like factory pipelines. Exposed steel frames and hardware convey a frank expression of futuristic industrial aesthetics and technology, jointly creating a groundbreaking futuristic vision.

As a concept and an aesthetic style, functional sports aesthetics combine the vitality of sports and practical functionality. The spatial layout, akin to a continuous motion program, uses curves, diagonal lines and arcs to guide the sight and movement, ensuring the fluidity and continuity of the vision. Integrating the inborn efficiency of industrial style, this space is committed to creating a vibrant place full of trendiness and functionality.

02 Atmosphere of Experience-First

Pursuing the experience economy, Generation Z values experiences more than material possessions. Ningnuo Investment independently designs over 30 innovative and thrilling activities ingeniously related to each other and arranges them in order throughout the space. This fully satisfies Generation Z’s craving for novel and unique experiences.

The X. Slide and the transparent tunnel are the highlights of the center. The X.Slide, 11 meters high and with 8 parallel slides, contains the popular wave slide and stainless steel spiral slide, making speed and excitement the key elements; the transparent tunnel, over 20 meters long, provides a 720°aerial view, allowing players to enjoy a bird’s-eye perspective.

The design of game levels is also integrated into the center. A set of interesting  “pipes”near the slides invite players to climb in.

The high-altitude adventure project includes a 10-meter-high and 36-meter-long super zip line. Containing over 30 levels of difficulty, it can accommodate up to 50 players exploring at one time. The wobbling stepping boards test balance; the suspended walkways require firm steps; the sky bridge demands calm judgment; the climbing net challenges strength and patience. Every level, like an elaborately designed maze segment, is related to one another, attracting all the players and making it hard to stop once started. High-speed gliding and panoramic views bring players an adrenaline-surging experience.

The traditional Chinese plum piles, decorated with pixel-pattern surfaces, immediately draw players into a game world. A total of 12 ascending plum piles, with the highest one exceeding 4 meters, offer players the thrilling pleasure of jumping from the top with the protection of safety devices. This evokes nostalgic memories of the simple joy of playing Mario on early gaming consoles.

The trampoline and competitive climbing zones position on the left and right sides: one is for self-challenging while the other is for fun group gatherings. Both introverts and extroverts can find an entertainment that suits them.

The first floor of the trampoline zone mainly has wobble bridges, foam pits and fun trampolines. With elements of basketball and street culture incorporated into this area, fun and entertainment can be found everywhere, from the atmosphere to all the details, thus creating a place full of youthful vigour and fashion.

The second floor boasts high-altitude rope nets, sky flying and stepping games. The bright yellow and silver create a strikingly dynamic source of vitality within the space.

03 Socializing and Sharing: A Place for Family Fun

Nowadays, the connection between space and people goes beyond the mere pleasure brought by novel activities. More importantly, it creates cherished moments people share with family and friends. Fun Connection noticed this trend when designing the XBOX Family Sports Center, thus creating a series of places for social activities that invite people to forge unforgettable memories worth sharing.

The resting area, decently decorated restaurant and personalized services like birthday party rooms offer a comfortable place for gatherings and chatting. The resting area, equipped with comfortable seats and chargers, is a perfect place to take a break and enjoy convenience and comfort in a short period. The trendy restaurant provides a feast both for the taste buds and the eyes. While serving healthy and delicious food, it also becomes a popular photo spot due to its fashionable design, catering to Generation Z’s demand for personalized experiences.

Sharing exciting sports experiences and warm gathering moments with family and friends at the XBOX Family Sports Center resonates with the tastes and needs of the current generation, fostering a genuine sense of community and belonging.

Design Firm: Fun Connection
Client: XBOX Brand Management Company: Hangzhou Ningnuo Investment Management Co., Ltd.
Location: Shanghai, China
Year: 2024
Project area: 3,000 sqm
Chief Designer: Zhang Yaotian
Design Team: Zhu Qian, Wang Yingfei, Qin Zihan, Wang Keyi
Construction Team: Meng Yan
Main Products Creation Team: Pang Zhedong, Zheng Ying
Photographer: Aqi