Local Shanghai firm AAN Architects has completed the Moreprk Skyline skatepark, an innovative indoor skateboarding facility housed within a glass-sided space that offers breathtaking views of central Shanghai's urban landscape. The project, located in the city's bustling Xuhui District, represents a unique fusion of extreme sports culture and architectural design.
The skatepark's most striking feature is its glazed facade, which provides uninterrupted panoramic views across Shanghai's skyline. This transparent barrier allows natural light to flood the interior space while creating a dramatic backdrop for skaters and spectators alike. The main area serves dual purposes, functioning as both a space for free practice sessions and structured skateboarding lessons.
AAN Architects constructed the facility's undulating structure using steel-reinforced concrete, a material choice that proved essential for the project's demanding requirements. "Steel-reinforced concrete provides both the durability and flexibility required for the skatepark's dynamic design," the architectural studio explained. This construction method ensures the facility can withstand the intense physical demands of skateboarding while maintaining its sculptural aesthetic.
The skatepark forms an integral part of a larger sports-themed commercial complex designed by renowned local architecture practice Vanke. According to AAN Architects, "The third and fourth floors were planned as a glass-box space, and Vanke envisioned Moreprk infusing this area with renewed energy, transforming it into a vibrant window to the city." This collaboration demonstrates how specialized sports facilities can be seamlessly integrated into broader urban development projects.
The facility's centerpiece is a dramatic undulating bowl that runs the entire length of the main space, creating a sunken area where skaters can build momentum and execute complex tricks. The wave-like forms of this bowl are thoughtfully echoed throughout the interior design, appearing in the ceiling structure, track lighting systems, and safety railings. This repetitive motif creates a cohesive sense of movement that flows across all surfaces.
A distinctive zigzagging rail leads visitors up a slope to the reception desk, featuring skateboard-shaped seats positioned at regular intervals along its length. This playful design element immediately signals the facility's purpose while providing functional seating for visitors and participants waiting their turn.
The upper level houses additional amenities including a coffee kiosk and retail area where visitors can purchase skateboarding equipment and merchandise. This floor also contains a specialized skateboarding workshop space for equipment maintenance and customization. Above the indoor facility, the architects created an outdoor skateboarding track and dome structure, extending the facility's capabilities to include open-air skating experiences.
"Moreprk Skyline uses the idea of curvature as a medium to transform the spirit of freedom of movement into spatial form, reshaping the relationship between people and the city, gravity and the sky in a suspended glass box," the studio stated. This philosophical approach demonstrates how contemporary architecture can capture and express the cultural significance of skateboarding while creating functional spaces for the sport.
The project joins a growing collection of innovative skatepark designs worldwide, including other notable examples such as a rooftop facility in China rendered in various shades of blue by Within Beyond Studio, and a dramatic skate ramp attached to the exterior of a Brazilian skyscraper through a collaboration between Red Bull and Prada. These projects collectively demonstrate the evolution of skateboarding facilities from simple concrete bowls to sophisticated architectural statements that celebrate urban culture and extreme sports.
