www.psam.uk.com FEATURE architects roundtable
New Build v Renovation
I
would say “yes” to new build – at least when it comes to big arenas and stadiums in large cities where top clubs use and, in many cases, own the facility. Of course, it’s easier to get everything tailor-made and future-proofed if it’s built from scratch. However, our experience is also that you can find good solutions when renovating arenas, as long as they are intended for sporting events only. As soon as the arena is for multi-use, costs tend to skyrocket: requirements for changes in structural design of the roof for event loads; foundation slabs that are not sufficient for loads when the stand capacity is increased; limitation of the site itself… all of these are significant and essential factors for flexible, multi-purpose arenas. Many worry about the cost of replacing installations that are no longer modern. But is it more expensive to build a new facility? Not always. To a large extent it depends on what it will be used for: is it only a sports facility or is it multi-purpose? Is it privately owned and fully commercial or is it municipally owned, with less focus on the commercial aspect?
Sven-Ake Wikers
The cost of new construction is at least fully quantifiable, which is not always the case with renovation. The cost aspect is, of course, an important part of the face-lift, but we must also consider operating and possibly the events cost; whether the site is as good as we want it; how long it will remain modern and whether it will be an efficient facility from the perspectives of the club. And we haven’t even mentioned the environmental factors, which play a major role in a modern and future-proofed building.
CEO arenaprojekt
So, should we recommend new construction, then? Not necessarily, but if a facility from the 1960s or 70’s is going to match modern requirements – from the audience, the club, the athletes, the management organisation and the property owners – the building has to be pretty good.
For further information on ArenaProjeckt, visit www.arenaprojekt.com
ArenaProjekt have just submitted a proposal for the renovation of an ice-hockey arena that is only eight years old, but that doesn’t work properly for the intended sport. In order to meet all the requirements of a modern facility and to be multi-purpose, the cost of renovation exceeded the cost of new construction. Is it worth it? In this case it probably is, given the many synergies to be gained by having it located where it is. But is it financially justified? No, not completely, since there are many “almost good” solutions, but from a hereditary point of view, it is. Sports architecture probably needs to develop better function and economy rather than a certain style. We believe you have to make sure that facilities are more flexible and lively for today’s type of event; many are too much of design monsters and not enough function and experience. We believe that a stylish arena is an arena that works well. Put more crowdpleasing factors inside the facade and in the arena space rather than outside it. It's time to start thinking from the inside-out! 55
PSAM Summer 2014 V9.indd 55
12/06/2014 14:28