The multi-purpose sports stadium

Abstract

RESEARCH QUESTION: In what way can architecture enhance the pre, to post-game experience, in a multipurpose sports stadium and social hub setting, through spatial movement?

ABSTRACT: Auckland City is at a point in 2019, where our stadium landscape is failing to meet the requirements and expectations, which are necessary for the current-day user. Eden Park is struggling to support music events without significant pushback from local community groups. Mount Smart, originally built for athletics, is now in line for serious upgrades and earthquake strengthening of its grandstands. The requirements and expectations within and around a stadium have changed since these complexes were built. They are no longer just concrete structures but now should be an entertainment and social hub for players and spectators. With all the different sporting codes having new requirements to meet fans expectations, which their current outdated stadiums cannot supply. Why not look at one new multi-purpose arena, to suit them all?

Several architects, urban theorists and authors all came up with different opinions or perspectives on how a single venue environment can be both successful and practical to all users. Richard Cleary investigated the setting in the eyes of the performers; the architects on the field, who create spaces through manipulation skills in deceiving the opposition to create chances. Shenna McKenzie looked at the setting in the eyes of the spectators, who creates the idea of sport being a type of religion. Where the stadium acts as a cathedral, where people from afar gather to worship. Carles Broto studied how users can imagine different uses for a stadium, rather than solely for sports. Martin Wimmer researched the idea of what a stadium means to modern society, through the environment surrounding the space.

So, in what way can architecture enhance the pre, to post-game experience, in a multi-purpose sports stadium and social hub setting, through spatial movement? The process would be to go through a site analysis exercise to find the perfect location, based on several critical factors, for the stadium and surrounding environment. Once a site has been located, Camillo Sitte’s urban planning and architectural principles on enclosure, irregularity and perspectives will be applied to develop a master plan. Together, these theories will also look at the framework and requirements for the stadium and the performance, on how spectators interact with the spaces and to gain an experience of what a player might feel.