Zaha Hadid Architects has unveiled its latest architectural landmark in Hong Kong with the completion of Go Park Sai Sha, a sprawling 120,774-square-metre sports and leisure complex nestled between Ma On Shan Country Park and Three Fathoms Cove. The multi-level development reimagines the concept of an urban recreational hub as a “lifted village”, blending elevated walkways, rooftop gardens, and natural topography into a continuous, accessible design.
A Fabric Landscape Inspired by Mountain Communities
The British architecture firm has organised the complex across layered levels around a central plaza. Elevated pathways and gently sloping ramps connect diverse indoor and outdoor recreational zones, allowing seamless access from multiple directions. This interconnected layout pays homage to Hong Kong’s traditional mountain settlements, forming a contemporary interpretation of vernacular hillside architecture.
“The design develops two key principles: the concept of a ‘fabric landscape’ that pulls nature into the heart of the design, and a gentle ramp that navigates across multiple layers, defining a ‘lifted village’ that combines shopping, sports and entertainment within courtyards enriched by the surrounding nature,” said Paulo Flores, studio director at Zaha Hadid Architects.
Diverse Facilities for Sports, Entertainment and Community
Go Park Sai Sha houses a wide array of public amenities that cater to both individual and group recreation. Outdoor facilities include cycling and running tracks, golf ranges, rock climbing walls, and multiple pitches and courts for football, tennis, lacrosse, and basketball. The indoor complex features a 1,500-seat adaptable stadium, fencing and swimming academies, and a 25-metre indoor pool.
The heart of the project lies in its sinuous “primary ramp”, a dramatic architectural gesture that spirals upward through the building, culminating in a network of rooftop gardens. These green terraces not only offer panoramic views of the nearby cove and surrounding parklands but also serve as gathering points for relaxation, exploration, and public events.
“Bridges within the design connect Sai Sha’s residents with areas for discovery, innovation and public events,” Flores added.
Continuing a Legacy of Organic Urbanism
Founded in 1979 by the late Dame Zaha Hadid, the studio continues her legacy of fluid, futuristic architecture under the leadership of Patrik Schumacher. The Go Park Sai Sha project follows the firm’s recent additions to Hong Kong’s skyline, including The Henderson skyscraper, and complements its broader portfolio of civic projects, such as designs for Khalid Bin Sultan City in the UAE and the new Vilnius Airport terminal in Lithuania.
As cities worldwide strive to merge public infrastructure with environmental sustainability and community connectivity, Go Park Sai Sha stands as a bold testament to Zaha Hadid Architects’ vision for inclusive, nature-integrated urbanism.