grimshaw completes roller coaster attraction at shanghai disney resort's tomorrowland

in china, grimshaw has completed a new structure at shanghai disney resort’s tomorrowland — the company’s newest theme park. the architects were briefed with designing the enclosure and surrounds of the ‘TRON lightcycle power run’, a steel roller coaster that is one of the park’s main attractions. the scheme features a series of elevated pathways, water features, linked open spaces, and one-of-a-kind ribbon-like structures, which have been designed to ‘coalesce with the natural landscape’.

all images by stefen chow

‘we came up with the idea of creating a certain topography; a three dimensional form where we have ramps and stairs, where movement through the park became almost an experience in its own right,’ explains grimshaw deputy chairman, andrew whalley. ‘the park centrepiece is the lightweight structure and the ETFE foil roof, so we took this idea a step further, with it being very exciting if the ride explodes out and through the roof structure.’

the architects were briefed with designing the enclosure of the TRON lightcycle power run roller coaster

the architects worked closely with walt disney imagineering, the research and development arm of the walt disney company. the arcing ETFE canopy traces the curves of the attraction, whilst shading guests from sun and rain. a diverse collection of native plants punctuate the scheme’s sinuous paths, with natural and man-made elements blending together. meanwhile, an array of lighting effects are integrated into the landscape surrounding the ride.

shanghai disney resort’s tomorrowland is the company’s newest theme park

the steel roller coaster is one of the park’s main attractions

the arcing ETFE canopy traces the curves of the popular attraction

native plants punctuate the scheme’s sinuous paths

site axonometric | image courtesy of grimshaw

project info:

location: shanghai, china
client: disney
status: complete
year: 2016
photography: stefen chow