Sports Architecture: The Latest Architecture and News

EASTERN design office + KAWAGUCHI & ENGINEERS shared with us their project, Light Thread, China Agricultural University’s Gymnasium / Wrestling Arena for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. During the Olympic Games, the wrestling arena has a 10,000-person capacity. After the Olympic Games, 4,000 temporary seats can be taken out and the interior can be refitted with three arenas, a pool, and 6000 seats to transform the space into a gymnasium complex. Since this building will come into the possession of the Chinese Agriculture University, they sought to create a condition that allows the special requirements of the Olympic Wrestling Arena and the functional features of a building for the Chinese Agriculture University to both be fulfilled in a single construction. More images and architects’ description after the break.

The mayor of Montréal, Gérald Tremblay, recently announced the winning project in the architecture competition for the new indoor soccer center at the Saint-Michel Environmental Complex (SMEC). The jury has chosen the concept developed by Saucier + Perrotte & Hughes Condon Marler Architects from among the four submitted by the finalist firms. The daring and creative project is one more step toward the completion of this long-awaited project, which will provide Montrealers with access to a sports center that is not only functional but boasts a modern design meeting the highest standards of quality. This public building, a testament to the talent of our local architects, will be incorporated into the SMEC, one of the largest parks in Montréal. More images and project description after the break.

Holm Architecture Office (HAO), in collaboration with VM Studio, recently received first place in a competition for the re-design of the Coleman Oval Skate Park in Manhattan. Nine New York design firms were invited to participate in the competition, which was sponsored by Architecture for Humanity and a Gamechangers grant from Nike, a campaign encouraging community organizations to empower youth through sports programs that spur social and economic development. The project is being developed with the New York City Parks & Recreation Department’s Adopt-a-Park program. More images and project description after the break.

The aim of the design proposal by sam architecture for the sports facilities at Lille-Fives was to create a pure and efficient building. The clearly identifiable shape of the concrete plate, which covers the grandstand and the gymnasium, announces the sport facility from far around. It is undeniably inspired by Future system’s Lords Cricket Ground Media Stand. It truly identifies the building and is ment to become a symbol of the renewal of Lille-Fives, a former industrial and socially fragile district. More images and architects’ description after the break.

Architects: VIGLIECCA&ASSOC Location: Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil Date: 2008 – under construction Client: State of Ceará Government / Special Department of the State of Ceará for 2014 Cup Total Intervention Area: 215.000 sqm Design Team: Hector Vigliecca, Luciene Quel, Ronald Werner, Neli Shimizu, Caroline Bertoldi, Bianca Riotto, Fernanda Trotti, Hernani Paiva, Kelly Bozzato, Luiz Marino, Mayara Christ, Pedro Ichimaru, Rafael Alcantara, Paulo Serra, Luci Maie, Renata Haring Construction: Galvão + Andrade Mendonça Landscaping: Rodolfo Geiser Paisagismo e Meio Ambiente Photographs: Azul Serra

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BIG wins an invited competition for a 47,000 sqm ski resort and recreational area in Levi, Finland. The future Ski Village will transform the existing Levi ski resort into a world class destination, offering top quality accommodation and leisure services for skiers of all levels and demands. More images and complete press release after the break.

MoederscheimMoonen Architects recently presented the final design for a multi-purpose sports facility buidling in Houten, Netherlands. The building will be used by several local sports clubs of Houten like hockey, baseball and handball. Besides the use for sports, the building will be used for educational activities and will be a social meeting point for the whole area. More images and project description after the break.

SHoP Architects has shared with us the B2 Bklyn building which will be the first of the residential developments for Atlantic Yards in Brooklyn, New York to break ground, scheduled for 2012. Standing at 32 storeys, it will be the world’s tallest pre-fab building, saving both on cost and waste.

More after the break.

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