Crystal World Resort

The Asymptote design for a new sports and recreation facility for Changsha China, Crystal_World, is designed to be the crowning jewel of the Changsha EcoTech Resort City master plan by Asymptote, drawing inspiration from the spectacular surroundings and geological condition of the site. The project is an aggregation of crystalline forms that house a variety of recreational and resort programs and facilities. Crystal_World is a new approach to such complexes that is situated into and above a spectacular quarry site , taking advantage of the natural setting and leaving it as untouched as possible. The building is surrounded by period gardens with numerous bridges connecting the facility to the quarry edge as well as the nearby Hotel and other points of access.The Resort sits is in close proximity to commercial areas, with pedestrian connections underground and above ground walkways across the manicured landscapes. The project is connected to Changsha by a new metro line while vehicular access to the overall Ecotech_City is facilitated by a site wide LRT and a newly implemented PRT systems. In addition a dedicated funicular rail line provides a dramatic approach to Crystal_World, where one descends into the reclaimed quarry into the base of the quarry where a Mirror lake is surrounded by cafes and restaurants sitting alongside and within a new waterside promenade.

Inside Crystal World the main attractions such as Snow and Ice World, Water World, and the indoor Ski Hill are housed within in the geometric volumes. To accommodate the larger programs the Crystal like forms are joined to create a contiguous space. The layering of different program elements creates a microcosm of unique interior environments, from leisure and recreational to athletic and educational.

Sitting perched at the top of the building composition is the Crystal hotel, articulated with a sophisticated double façade with balconies behind oriented towards the view. A main attraction of the Crystal Hotel is the dramatic multi-story lobby that celebrates snow, ice and water. Each hotel room is a state off the art technological space with custom control of all aspects of the guests environment.

The various programs of the Waterworld Park are situated within the voluminous interior of Crystal World. Suspended in the vast interior are located swimming pools, tiodal pools and whirl pools for relaxation and pleasure. Waterslides and other recreational structures move through the spaces to create a dynamic environment. Visible high above is "Space World", an additional attraction that celebrates the magic of being in the heavens amongst the stars.

In the lower levels of Crystal World there spaces that celebrate snow and ice while a large aperture looks down onto the lake and landscape below. Here a a skating rink sits adjacent to an indoor ski hill anda ccross this dramatic multi-storey space are dragons and castles carved out of ice as well as exhibits of penguins and other animals housed in recreations of their natural habitats.The indoor ski hill is a spectacular structure that intersects the Snow and Ice World and spans the breadth of the quarry. Looking through the entire building interior the dynamic interplay of volumes and functions becomes evident, with the elongated ski slope element bridging the quarry opening and intersecting the adjacent spaces. The structure is carefully placed to minimally impact the surrounding natural condition of the quarry site. Crystal World emerges as if a Cloud like structure, hovering above the surrounding landscape.By virtue of its architecture Crystal World is poised to be a world class attraction and a Destination that will bring visitors from Changsha and beyond.