UFC SHANGHAI

Sporting a cultural heritage
All in one

The dream of UFC, the Mixed Martial Art (MMA) promotion company, was to have a large state-of-the-art training facility in a well-preserved industrial heritage building in Shanghai, the first one they have built outside of United States. They aimed to combine and arrange a multitude of functions in a way to enhance athletes’ performance while creating an enjoyable user experience. JLL took on the challenge.

Space sported functionality and dynamism

Before diving deep into the project, we carried out a thorough study of performance institutes guidelines, as well as functional and operational requirements to form the basis of the design. Keeping athletes’ needs at the top, we put ourselves in their position to see the built environment from their perspective. As our target was to create a space that energizes and represents the dynamic sport, we gave special attention to uncompromised functionality and design details. 

The results? The institute turned out to be one of the biggest athletics training facilities of its kind. It encompasses everything athletes need - the gym, octagon hub training system, lockers, rehabilitation and therapy areas, quiet zones, common areas, besides a health drink bar and a café.

Heritage building

The institute is housed in a heritage warehouse, meeting the client’s and the heritage committee’s demand. We ensured that interiors complemented the building, and therefore, retained most of the original architecture. The result was a well-integrated design that fits perfectly with the architecture while meeting the full range of functional requirements.