Abstract:
Iconic image vs. IntegrationThe thesis inquiry pertains to stadium architecture and how to change the traditional typology. It will focus on an emerging paradigm of stadium integration. Traditional stadium design typically revolves solely around an iconic image conveyed by these civic monuments. However, they often ignore the social potential embedded within. How does a stadium become more than just a stadium? This thesis will address issues of community, embodying how a new stadium can provide a nucleus for urban regeneration within the city. Due to the inherent complexity of the building type, the focus will be an examination of the interplay of the “community concourse” which will envelop a typical bowl arrangement. The concourse will service the intrinsic functions of the stadium while exploiting the dynamic social potential independent of the central activity space. Thus, the iconic image associated with typical stadiums is sacrificed due to the objective of integrating the stadium into the physical and social fabric. Stadiums are traditionally designed with regards to the aerial view from a blimp; however, this is not how stadiums are experienced. Therefore, this thesis will examine how stadiums are experienced at the human scale. This notion challenges traditional stadium configurations. A paradigm shift for stadium design is necessary to change the way we view their role within the urban context.Continuation of the streetCurrently many stadiums, which are civic structures, tear unsustainable holes in cities and isolate themselves from their surroundings; therefore, this project will examine how a new stadium can become a continuation of street activity thereby uniting the urban fabric of the city. The stadium will be a facility that serves the sporting culture as well as the city. It is not enough for stadiums to just co-exist with the urban environment and become integrated into the skyline. They must infuse activity, vitalize the surrounding area, restore urban density, and create connections to the community. Stadiums are often wrapped in circulation concourses that turn their back to cities. Thus, the new proposed prototype will be a facility that opens up to the community. Instilled within will be an “active zone” consisting of retail and other social functions which engage the community on a daily basis, not just during sporting events. This configuration results in an open stadium which becomes a continuation of the street.
