Playtime in Wonderland: The Whimsical Magic of Loong Swim Club

In the heart of Suzhou, China, a one-of-a-kind recreational space has reimagined the way children and parents experience play. The Loong Swim Club, designed by X+Living, is more than just a swimming facility—it's a dreamlike wonderland where bold, oversized forms and soft pastel tones create an enchanting environment that feels straight out of a storybook.

At Loong Swim Club, every element of the design fosters interaction between parents and children, ensuring that young ones feel both safe and inspired to explore. From floating bubble-like seating areas to organic, flowing structures that guide movement through the space, the interiors encourage shared experiences, making it a true multi-generational playground.

X+Living’s founder, Li Xiang, is known for her ability to push the boundaries of conventional design. Drawing inspiration from fantasy worlds and the organic forms of Antonio Gaudí, she has once again crafted a space that defies expectation. With a portfolio that includes surreal bookstores and imaginative commercial interiors, her vision for Loong Swim Club transforms a functional swimming facility into a playful, immersive environment that celebrates the joy of childhood.

Unlike traditional swimming pools that can feel sterile and uninviting, Loong Swim Club embraces a more holistic approach to recreation. Here, children and parents can do more than swim—they can read, dine, and engage in creative play, all within a setting designed to spark wonder. The space recognises the importance of children as valued individuals, creating an environment that prioritises both their needs and the bonds they share with their families.

This project is a testament to the power of experiential design. By blending whimsy with functionality, Loong Swim Club offers an inspiring blueprint for how recreational spaces can evolve to foster deeper connections and more meaningful interactions. It’s a place where curiosity thrives, where families come together, and where play is truly limitless.

We're big fans of this playful approach to interior design, blending bold, larger-than-life shapes with pastel tones to create a multi-generational playground. It’s this same commitment to immersive, experience-led spaces that inspires our work in competitive socialising design. By integrating storytelling, interactive elements, and dynamic aesthetics, at Zachary Pulman Design Studio we create environments that bring people together through play.