Architecture and design news:
sport & recreation
MediaCityUK architect designs ambitious Grimsby Town stadium development
by Matthew Campelli | 04 Jan 2017
Fairhurst Design Group, the architect behind Salford’s MediaCityUK and Manchester United’s training ground, has been appointed to design Grimsby Town FC’s ambitious new stadium development. The Manchester-based studio has overseen the design of the 14,000-capacity stadium and surrounding development, which includes an ice rink, leisure facilities and housing. Extreme Leisure, the sports brand founded by entrepreneur Alistair Gosling, is partnering with the League Two football club on the £55m (US$67.6m,
Atlanta train stations fitted with football pitches to empower youth through sport
by Kim Megson | 27 Dec 2016
A youth organisation has opened the “world’s first” train station football pitch at a site in Atlanta, US. Soccer in the Streets – which empowers underserved youth through sports-based training, mentoring and employability programmes – has developed the Station Soccer project in collaboration with the foundation of Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise Atlanta United. The facility – created by local artificial turf supplier GreenFields USA and Musco/Cree Lighting – has
CLAD Review of 2016: The best stadiums of the year
by Kim Megson | 22 Dec 2016
As we continue our CLAD review of 2016, our attention turns to the world of sports design. It has been another groundbreaking year for the sector, and we have highlighted just some of the innovative and architecturally-significant sporting facilities that have opened this year around the world. Sustainability is a key trend, with temporary architecture, re-use projects and LEED-standard designs included in the list. CLAD's Review of 2016: The best
Adidas unveils design for fitness-focused World of Sports campus
by Kim Megson | 21 Dec 2016
Sportswear giant Adidas has revealed its plans to transform its German headquarters into a huge leisure campus, including four star-shaped public spaces promoting exercise and outdoor activity. Dutch studio LOLA Landscape Architects have designed the outdoor component of the World of Sports campus in the town of Herzogenaurach, which will provide a canvas for employees to test Adidas products for activities ranging from football and running to skateboarding and cycling.
Cox Architecture designs ‘tree-shaped’ rugby league stadium for Queensland
by Matthew Campelli | 20 Dec 2016
Cox Architecture, the studio behind the Jakarta International Velodrome, has been appointed to design a 25,000-capacity stadium for the North Queensland Cowboys rugby league team. The project has been unveiled by the Townsville and Queensland Government, and will have a AS$250m (£146.1m, US$180.8m, €174.1m) budget. It has been slated to be ready in time for the 2020 National Rugby League (NRL) season. According to the architects, the stadium has been
Orlando City FC building first safe-standing section in the MLS
by Matthew Campelli | 19 Dec 2016
The first safe-standing section within a Major League Soccer (MLS) stadium is being built in the new home of Orlando City SC. According to the franchise, the stand will take inspiration from the ‘Yellow Wall’ in Borussia Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion which creates a loud and intimidating atmosphere. The steep stand will form part of the club’s new US$100m (£80.6m, €95.8m) stadium, which is being designed by Populous. Originally designed as a
Italian architects design 'artificial hill' to enclose Riyadh stadium
by Kim Megson | 19 Dec 2016
Italian architects Schiattarella Associati have won an international competition to refurbish the 50,000 capacity King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The studio have been commissioned to design the project by the country’s General Sport Authority (GSA), which said it was impressed by their decision to create an artificial hill at the base of the multi-purpose stadium, creating a formal joint with the surrounding landscaping. This sloping surface forms a
Tokyo to go ahead with new volleyball facility despite spiralling costs of 2020 Games
by Matthew Campelli | 16 Dec 2016
Organisers of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will reject the chance to host volleyball in an existing facility and build a new venue despite it adding to the spiralling cost of the Games. The development of the Ariake Arena was part of the original plans put forward to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), but the rising cost of hosting the event resulted in the organisers considering a facility in nearby Yokohama.
French Rugby Federation slams the breaks on Populous stadium plan
by Matthew Campelli | 15 Dec 2016
A plan to develop a new Populous-designed rugby stadium in Paris has been scrapped by the French Rugby Federation (FFR) following the election of its new president. Former national team coach Bernard Laporte was elected earlier this month. In one of his first moves as president, Laporte has opted to end the project despite its advanced stage. Instead of building the 82,000-capacity stadium, Laporte told the FFR Executive Committee that
Luton Town stadium vision closer after agreeing land deal
by Matthew Campelli | 15 Dec 2016
AndArchitect’s ambitious “flexible” stadium for Luton Town FC is closer to coming to fruition after the club purchased the land to facilitate the development. The League Two football club’s property arm – 2020 Developments – signed an agreement with British Land PLC to acquire the plot in the Power Court area of Luton. Plans to build a retail and hospitality development on the land have been mooted, with profits made
'Dramatic' transformation planned for Cleveland Cavaliers' stadium
by Kim Megson | 15 Dec 2016
The home stadium of US National Basketball Association NBA) franchise the Cleveland Cavaliers is being lined up to be transformed by SHoP Architects at a cost of US$140m (€131m, £110m), it has been announced. The Quicken Loans Arena opened in 1994, but is now the second oldest arena in the NBA not to have had a major upgrade. The proposed renovation would address important structural and operational deficiencies in the
Construction begins on Kengo Kuma's National Stadium for 2020 Tokyo Olympics
by Kim Megson | 13 Dec 2016
Construction work has kicked off on Tokyo’s new National Stadium, the Kengo Kuma-designed stage for the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. The design by the Japanese architect was chosen to replace Zaha Hadid Architects’ original scheme – ostensibly due to the rising cost of that project – in December 2015, and received the green light two months ago. Kuma’s stadium is estimated to cost 150bn yen ($1.5bn, €1.3bn, £1.1bn) to build.
AFC Bournemouth to build new stadium after being 'held to ransom' by owner of current home
by Kim Megson | 09 Dec 2016
English Premier League football club AFC Bournemouth is seeking a new home in a new location, its chief executive has announced. Neill Blake said the club cannot realise its preferred option of buying back the Vitality Stadium, where it currently plays, from property company Structadene in order to redevelop the site. “It has always been the board of directors’ preferred option to buy the stadium back and develop a Premier
New designs reveal Western Sydney Stadium will boast 'Australia’s steepest stands'
by Kim Megson | 09 Dec 2016
The government of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia has unveiled its chosen design for a new 30,000-seat stadium in Parramatta, which it says will “revolutionise the spectator experience” when it opens to fans in 2019. NSW premier Mike Baird and sport minister Stuart Ayres have announced architect and developer Lendlease as the studio contracted to design and build the Western Sydney Stadium, which is envisioned as a sport and
French Alps resort plans 400m indoor ski slope to allow year-round skiing
by Tom Anstey | 05 Dec 2016
The French ski resort of Tignes will soon be able to offer 365-day skiing after having plans approved to build a €62m (US$66.4m, £52.1m) indoor slope on one of its existing runs. French architects De Jong (DJA) are behind the 400m (1,300ft) Ski Line snow centre, which will sit at an altitude of 2,000m (6,500ft) and will feature a chairlift to take visitors to the top of the slope, as
Feyenoord FC scores approval for stadium and sports district
by Kim Megson | 30 Nov 2016
A masterplan a new leisure district for Dutch football club Feyenoord, which includes a sculptural new stadium, has been approved by the mayor of Rotterdam. The Feyenoord City Masterplan, developed by architects OMA, can now be implemented at a site on the Maas river in the south of the city. The new intricately clad 63,000 seat stadium, located at the waterfront, is to be the landmark of Feyenoord City and
Human-powered gym boat on River Seine harnesses energy from passenger workouts
by Kim Megson | 30 Nov 2016
Parisian gym-goers could soon be powering scenic boat trips along the River Seine on a fitness vessel that harnesses energy from passengers’ workouts. The Paris Navigating Gym is the latest innovation from architects and researchers Carlo Ratti Associati. They have partnered with non-profit design group Terreform ONE, urban regeneration institute URBEM and fitness firm Technogym to develop the project. The boat – which has been designed in response to a
Boca Juniors plans to supercharge its iconic stadium
by Matthew Campelli | 28 Nov 2016
Boca Juniors FC – one of the best-supported football clubs in Argentina – has released plans for a new stadium, which would be the largest in the country. The Super Bombonera, which would sit on the site of the current Bombonera stadium, would have a capacity of 77,495 – almost 30,000 seats more than Boca’s current home. Local architect Manteola - Sanchez Gomez - Santos - Solsona - Sallaberry -
Architects HKS declare LA Stadium 'a venue unlike any other in sports' as construction kicks off
by Kim Megson | 28 Nov 2016
The Kroenke Sports and Entertainment company has broken ground on the new HKS-designed Los Angeles Stadium at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, which will be the new home of National Football League (NFL) franchise the LA Rams. Sized at nearly 3 million sq ft (278,700sq m), multipurpose venue is set to be the largest in the NFL when it opens in 2019. It will include 70,000 fixed seats, with the flexibility
National football and rugby stadium mooted for Luxembourg
by Matthew Campelli | 25 Nov 2016
A new national stadium accommodating football and rugby is expected to be built and ready in Luxembourg by October 2019. The mayor of the eponymous capital city, Lydie Polfer, unveiled plans for the 9,385-capacity venue, which is expected to cost €60m (£51.2m, US$63.6m). Located on Boulevard de Kockelscheuer, the proposed stadium has been designed by the BENG architecture practice. Preparatory work on the site is expected to begin in May
Nike partners with artist Kaws to create bold and beautiful New York basketball courts
by Kim Megson | 23 Nov 2016
Sports giant Nike has partnered with artist Kaws to cover two of New York’s community basketball courts with his signature murals. Located in Sara D. Roosevelt Park on Manhattan’s Stanton Street, the side-by-side full courts have been painted with swirling, brightly-coloured patterns and motifs. “My approach to the courts was very similar to how I would work on canvas,” said Brooklyn-based Kaws, whose real name is Brian Donnelly. “I wanted
NBA franchise unveils renderings of Milwaukee entertainment complex
by Matthew Campelli | 18 Nov 2016
Architecture firm Gensler have released renderings of the entertainment block being designed for National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise the Milwaukee Bucks. The development is expected to be built adjacent to the new arena proposed for the Bucks, which is being designed by Populous. Working with local design firm Rinka Chung Architecture, Gensler has designed a complex that includes dining, entertainment and retail outlets. Hunzinger Construction will manage the building of
US$400m arena in the works for Arizona NHL franchise
by Matthew Campelli | 16 Nov 2016
Arizona Coyotes, the National Hockey League (NHL) franchise, has unveiled plans to build a new arena in partnership with Arizona State University. If given the green light, the 16,200-capacity facility will be built on a 58-acre piece of land within the university’s Athletic Facilities District. In addition to the main rink, which will be constructed for the Coyotes, a second sheet of ice will be developed for Arizona State, youth
Leisure projects dominate 2016 Structural Awards
by Kim Megson | 14 Nov 2016
The winners of The Structural Awards 2016 were announced on 11 November during a ceremony held at The Brewery in London, with several leisure projects celebrated for their design and engineering excellence. The Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre in Surrey, Canada was honoured with The Supreme Award for Structural Engineering Excellence – one of the highest accolades in world engineering – for featuring the world’s most slender, long span timber catenary
Edinburgh council opens consultation for £40m Meadowbank redevelopment
by Matthew Campelli | 11 Nov 2016
Residents of Scottish capital city Edinburgh are being asked to have their say on an ambitious rebuild of the existing Meadowbank Stadium and Sport Centre. The City of Edinburgh Council will submit a planning application early next year for the redevelopment, which is expected to cost in the region of £40m (US$50.5m, €46.4m) and is being designed by Glasgow architects Holmes Miller. Among the proposals for the complex are: an
New Valencia CF stadium designs in ‘six to nine months’
by Matthew Campelli | 08 Nov 2016
Spanish football club Valencia CF will unveil a new design for its long-awaited stadium development in “six to nine months”. Chan Lay Hoon, the club’s president, told a shareholders meeting that while the new stadium would not be built in time for Valencia’s centenary in 2019, plans would surface within the year. He added that he expected the venue to be complete by 2020. The development of the stadium has
PSG seeking architect to design world-class training centre
by Matthew Campelli | 08 Nov 2016
French football giant Paris Saint Germain (PSG) is on the hunt for an architect to design a new training centre, expected to be among the best in the world once completed. The reigning Ligue 1 champion has purchased a 740,000sq m (8 million sq ft) site in Poissy, Greater Paris to build the facility, which will include 14 football pitches. The centre will be the home to a 5,000-capacity stadium,
Zaha Hadid Architects win competition to design 'greenest stadium in the world'
by Kim Megson | 03 Nov 2016
Following a seven-month international competition, English football club Forest Green Rovers has selected Zaha Hadid Architects to design its new football stadium. The studio will build the ground completely out of wood, with the aim of making it “the greenest football stadium in the world.” The stadium will be the centrepiece of the £100m (US$124.5m, €112.3m) Eco Park development in Gloucestershire – a 100 acre sports and green technology business
UPDATE: London mayor launches investigation into cost of Olympic Stadium conversion
by Kim Megson | 02 Nov 2016
UPDATE: David Edmonds, the chair of Olympic Stadium operators the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), has resigned from his role amid mounting pressure over the spiralling costs of converting the venue into a football ground for West Ham United. Two days ago the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, launched an investigation into the cost of the project, which has risen to around £750m – much higher than originally projected. Edmonds,
Tottenham stadium: Populous integrate safe-standing and a window to the players’ tunnel
by Matthew Campelli | 02 Nov 2016
Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium will have the ability to accommodate safe-standing, and will include an exclusive ‘tunnel bar’ in which fans will be able to see the players come out onto the pitch. Darren Baldwin, the club’s head of playing surface and estates, lifted the lid on plans for the ambitious 61,000-capacity stadium during an address at the Saltex Convention in Birmingham on 2 November. Baldwin revealed that the Populous-designed
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