spActrum sculpts multi-centered concrete interior as continuous topography in china

defined by three interlocking sets of circles, the M2 training center transforms conventional stepped seating into a rippling terrain.

thomai tsimpou March 18, 2025 3 min

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SpActrum carves multi-centered interior in china

Architectural design practice SpActrum reimagines training spaces with its M2 Training Center in Hangzhou, China, crafting a fluid, multi-centered interior inspired by amphitheaters. Defined by three interlocking sets of concentric circles, the space transforms conventional stepped seating into a rippling terrain incorporating movement, seating, and gathering areas. This design fosters interaction, adaptability, and a continuous spatial experience, accommodating corporate training, exhibitions, and filming.

The interior unfolds as a continuous topography sculpted from concrete, where steps integrate movement and seating. By replacing rigid divisions with an organic, evolving geometry, SpActrum aims to enhance interaction between speakers and audiences, offering a prototype for multi-centered spatial experiences. While the design dissolves conventional spatial hierarchies, it retains a strong central focus.

spActrum sculpts multi-centered concrete interior as continuous topography in china - 1 — all images by Terrence Zhang and Jinyu Wan, courtesy of SpActrum

skylights bathe M2 Training Center in sunlight

The Shanghai-, Beijing-, and London-based team of SpActrum uses specific design parameters to shape the spatial experience. The location of the center points defines spatial groupings and movement patterns, while step heights balance seating comfort with accessibility. The gradient subtly reinforces a natural hillside effect, with the first two circles positioned lower and the rear circle elevated. Step widths accommodate both seating and circulation, ensuring a sense of security and usability. Meanwhile, a slight eccentric rotation of the circles enhances spatial complexity, introducing ramps and interwoven pathways reminiscent of natural terrain.

Beyond its sculptural form, the training center incorporates practical elements that enhance user experience. Raised sections of the terrain house a café, while skylights—including a central circular opening—bathe the interior in natural light. A direct outdoor entrance ensures accessibility, connecting the training center to its surroundings.

Through its parametric design, SpActrum’s M2 Training Center encourages spontaneous interaction, where occupants navigate and redefine the space through movement and engagement.

spActrum sculpts multi-centered concrete interior as continuous topography in china - 2 — the interior unfolds as a continuous topography

spActrum sculpts multi-centered concrete interior as continuous topography in china - 3 — crafting a fluid, multi-centered interior inspired by amphitheaters

spActrum sculpts multi-centered concrete interior as continuous topography in china - 4 — accommodating corporate training, exhibitions, and filming

spActrum sculpts multi-centered concrete interior as continuous topography in china - 5 — beyond its sculptural form, the training center incorporates practical elements

sculptural-multi-centered-interior-spactrum-continuous-topography-china-m2-training-center-designboom-large01 — this design fosters interaction, adaptability, and a continuous spatial experience

spActrum sculpts multi-centered concrete interior as continuous topography in china - 6 — defined by three interlocking sets of concentric circles

spActrum sculpts multi-centered concrete interior as continuous topography in china - 7 — the space transforms conventional stepped seating into a rippling terrain

sculptural-multi-centered-interior-spactrum-continuous-topography-china-m2-training-center-designboom-large02 — while the design dissolves conventional spatial hierarchies, it retains a strong central focus

spActrum sculpts multi-centered concrete interior as continuous topography in china - 8 — skylights bathe the interior in natural light

spActrum sculpts multi-centered concrete interior as continuous topography in china - 9 — steps integrate movement and seating

spActrum sculpts multi-centered concrete interior as continuous topography in china - 10 — SpActrum aims to enhance interaction between speakers and audiences

spActrum sculpts multi-centered concrete interior as continuous topography in china - 11 — offering a prototype for multi-centered spatial experiences

through its parametric design, SpActrum’s M2 Training Center encourages spontaneous interaction occupants navigate and redefine the space through movement and engagement the location of the center points defines spatial groupings and movement patterns SpActrum uses specific design parameters to shape the spatial experience step heights balance seating comfort with accessibility the gradient subtly reinforces a natural hillside effect the first two circles are positioned lower and the rear circle is elevated step widths accommodate both seating and circulation ensuring a sense of security and usability a slight eccentric rotation of the circles enhances spatial complexity introducing ramps and interwoven pathways reminiscent of natural terrain raised sections of the terrain house a café plan by SpActrum section by SpActrum section by SpActrum sectional perspective by SpActrum circulation diagram by SpActrum diagram by SpActrum diagram by SpActrum concentric circles diagram by SpActrum

project info:

name: Altar of Ambiguity – M2 Training Centre

architect: SpActrum

location: MREGINA, Sanjianghui, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, China

area: 275 square meters

client: MREGINA

lead designer: Yan Pan

design team members: Zhen Li, Chunxu Li

construction team: Beijing Jinghui Decoration Engineering Co., Ltd.

lighting design: Guan Xiaohao

photography: Terrence Zhang | @terrencezhang_cn, Jinyu Wan

other image copyrights: SpActrum