Sports architecture: the role, challenges, and innovative solutions
One of the directions in architecture is the development of projects meant for professional sportsmen and sports enthusiasts. These are more complex, scalable, and larger projects than a traditional home building, and the main peculiarity of them is the preparation of design for corporations or municipalities rather than single clients. These are usually local authorities that make a decision to construct a new sizable sports facility, though exceptions take place too. Furthermore, the risks and budget involved in such projects are also much higher, so it is a great responsibility of an architect to create not only a visually appealing but also a safe and functional amenity.
What challenges are there with designing sports facilities?
The majority of traditional orders for architects feature unique needs, but sports amenities should incorporate thousands of fans as well as offer excellent conditions for sportsmen. Usually, these are massive constructions that require different materials and strategies. A great focus should be made on strength and reliability since these buildings should often endure heavy equipment and vehicles.
One more important aspect is a breath-taking exterior design for every building to stand apart. Location of the project and outdoor amenities matter a lot too: everything from parking spaces to entrance walkways.
The number of challenges set for architects of such projects is really overwhelming and they should be considered at the development stage, which is a great responsibility.
Examples of prominent sports architecture
There are many examples of unbelievable sports facilities already built or being constructed all around the globe.
A state-of-the-art performance venue has been designed by Populous architects to be built in Toronto, Canada. It will be a sports and artistic venue with 7,000 seats. The main peculiarity of this magnificent project is a swooping roof that reminds a shell of a turtle and glass walls of multiple stories hidden under it.
The Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar
is a 40,000-seat stadium built in the middle of the desert. It is a project developed by UK architecture studio Pattern Design. This is an open air-cooled stadium with numerous curved concession stands. It is wrapped in multimedia screens and features the reimagining of traditional Qatari facade decoration. The main peculiarity of this stadium is the following: the pitch is cooled with air from different sides, while each seat is cooled with either from below or above.
The Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club in Melbourne, Australia
Is a project of architecture studio Wood Marsh. Being surrounded by dunes the project is derived from its location. It looks like a one-storey building with a curved timber-clad upper floor, but there is a lower floor hidden from other people's eyes to contain all functional spaces of the club. It offers direct access to the beach and a large terrace to overlook the beach.
