Huachiao Sports Park in Suzhou by SoBA

Drawing on the lyrical imagery of Kunqu, one of China’s oldest operatic forms, the design by SoBA (Soft Build Architects) reimagines the iconic water sleeves as spatial gestures. The park’s terrain undulates with abstracted forms that echo the billowing sleeves, translating centuries-old choreography into concrete and greenery. This narrative-driven approach anchors the park in local identity, while fostering a sense of discovery and belonging for all who enter.

In Kunshan, Suzhou, (China), the Huachiao Vibrant Sports Park unfolds as a living stage where tradition and modernity intersect. Opened in March 2024, this 6,000-square-meter urban park lines Greenbelt Avenue, transforming the poetic grace of Kunqu opera’s flowing water sleeves into a dynamic, contemporary landscape. Here, the boundaries between cultural memory and urban vitality dissolve, inviting residents into a realm where movement, play, and heritage converge.

Founded in Suzhou in 2021, SoBA (Soft Build Architects) is a multidisciplinary studio working across architecture, landscape, interior, and urbanism. Advocating a “soft” approach, adaptive, sensitive, and attentive to context, SoBA merges analytical rigor with intuitive creativity. The studio’s cross-cultural ethos informs spatial strategies that respond to the evolving challenges of contemporary cities, shaping environments that are as inclusive as they are innovative.

Materiality and Spatial Innovation

Central to the park’s identity is the sculptural “white ribbon” skate zone, realized in ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). This material, chosen for its strength and seamlessness, allows for the creation of fluid, continuous surfaces ideal for skateboarding, while visually evoking the lightness of fabric in motion. The interplay of smooth, sweeping curves and tactile finishes orchestrates a dialogue between movement and place, reinforcing the park’s role as both a sports venue and a cultural landmark.

PLANNING AND URBAN DESIGN PROJECTS ON ARCHISCENE

The park’s program is meticulously curated to support a diverse range of activities. Facilities include a basketball court, skate park, ping pong tables, signature pavilion, and children’s play zones, each thoughtfully integrated to maximize flexibility and accessibility. Circulation paths are intuitively planned, ensuring smooth transitions between active and passive spaces, and inviting users of all ages and abilities to participate. Shaded seating, open lawns, and communal gathering spots encourage spontaneous interaction, reinforcing the park’s function as a social anchor for the neighborhood.

Ecological Strategies and Urban Sustainability

Sustainability underpins every aspect of the design. Plantings of native trees and shrubs, selected for local climate resilience, create a lush microclimate that enhances biodiversity and reduces maintenance demands. Green coverage is maximized within the compact site, contributing to improved air quality and ecological adaptability. These strategies reflect a commitment to crafting not just a sports facility, but a regenerative urban environment responsive to both community needs and environmental imperatives.

Discover the architectural plans and drawings:

Analysis: Fusion of Heritage and Urban Life

Huachiao Vibrant Sports Park stands as a model for multidimensional urban renewal, where cultural narratives, ecological stewardship, and social inclusivity are woven into a cohesive whole. By abstracting the essence of Kunqu opera into spatial form, SoBA animates the park with a sense of continuity and transformation, a place where the past is not merely preserved but reinterpreted for contemporary life.

Discover more of the project in our gallery: