Contemporary stadium construction involves a thought process far beyond thinking only about sports. With countless incentives and important limitations, there are many motives that stimulate architectural imagination. This section describes seven general principles pertaining to stadium construction. It will help you understand how to perceive a stadium from an architectural point of view.
Contents and functions
First, it is important to develop a relationship between a stadium, sport, and the expectations of the audience. In order to achieve this, several critical aspects must be well thought out and properly integrated in planning phases. These include the steel or reinforced concrete frames, tiers, galleries, staircases, roofs (whether opaque or transparent), tracks, gyms, locker rooms, press services (radio and television), conference rooms, etc. A loosely-knit structure that lacks "strength" will not stand up to today's standards and will show irreparable poverty.
Symmetry and differences
Second, the stadium is generally symmetrical with the conscious aim to repeat a similar representation of both horizontal and vertical views. That said, the architect may take some implicit risks in such harmonization by introducing subtle breaks or imbalances such as supporting pillars, walk ways, or even the choice of random coloured seats which causes an optical illusion of not being in balance. Conscious symmetry is often seen as a shelter for the fearful and the lazy, and is widely disputed by the most creative architects.
Third, a stadium is an inherently large structure - one which is often difficult to determine the start from the end, simply because each of its exterior sides are mirror images of each other. A real challenge for the designer or architect is to either accentuate the similarities from side to side or conversly create "breakes" in the stadium structure in order to defeat an anachronic view.
Syntax of the stadium
Fourth, the overall desired style and look of the stadium is important to consider. Understanding each of the separate critical aspects identified in the first guideline and deciding how they will be placed together is instrumental in determining the overall style of the stadium.
Fifth, one thinks of the range between the Soviet constructions to the captivating sketches of Erich Mendelsohn: from a rather stade historical style to exciting experimental designs. Frames, pillars, roofs, lattices, curved surfaces and above all refractions and defractions of bright rays, and well-balanced proportions of clear and shaded spaces, are all aspects that contribute to many different results.
Creative use of space
Sixth, aside from the framework and parts of the stadium that will remain constant, the center of the stadium must be considered as it will be a focal point for perfomers, employees and the audience alike. Much detail is required to make this space impressive, creative, and very much alive.
Integrating stadium, city, and landscape
Seventh, an architect should pay attention to the relationship between the stadium and its natural and urban surroundings. There may be particular aspects or concepts of the city that the stadium construction must conform to to create harmonization.