Typological Hybridity: The Urban Stadium

TYPOLOGICAL HYBRIDITY: The Integrated Urban Stadium Over recent decades, contemporary sports stadia have become private commercial entities within urban settings, isolating and occasionally opposing themselves from the communities to which they occupy. In addition, the associated typology of these stadia has begun to stagnate, failing to adapt to the recent global influences in architecture which highlight the importance of sustainability and hybridity within the design of contemporary buildings. Without response, stadia risk becoming symbols of globalisation, for which historic communal ties are permanently severed. It is arguable that now more than ever the relationship between stadia and the wider context requires refining due to the poor socio-economic conditions experienced by many post-industrial cities.

Through consideration of these issues, this design thesis proposes that through the speculative deconstruction of the existing physical and functional typology of stadia – using three conceived constructs of hybridity – the contemporary stadium possesses the potential to be reimagined not solely as a functional sporting venue, but instead as an adaptive venue orientated towards urban socio-economic processes. The three constructs of hybridity include ‘Unbounded Hybridity’, which deconstructs the physical typology of stadia in order to form synergy between internal and external landscapes, ‘Transformative Hybridity’, which considers the previously unexplored element of time within stadium typology, allowing for prompt modifications dependent upon specific events, or even wider socio-economic conditions, and ‘Programmatic Combination’, which categorises the complexity of typology variations for their suitable integration into the formal programmatic configuration of stadia. It is through the application of these constructs of hybridity that the responsive treatment of specific socio-economic conditions within post-industrial urban settings can be enabled. Through the treatment of these conditions, it is then also possible to address the long-term health outcomes of the city in a preventative, rather than responsive manner.

CONTEXTUAL APPRAISAL: An Unhealthy Socio-Economic Cycle Located at the heart of the UK between the major cities of Manchester, Nottingham and Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent is a post-industrial polycentric city composed of six towns. Once renowned for the pottery industry, since the 1960’s Stoke-on-Trent has been in steady decline as industry has failed to adapt to advancements in technology. As a result of the post-industrial deterioration of the urban setting over a period of decades, large social and cultural divides have also evolved, leaving segments of the city in a state of socio-economic disrepair, with high unemployment and low education figures that have been passed through generations. These figures additionally possess wider ramifications, with a significant association between poor socio-economic status and physical and psychological health, particularly implications such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse and obesity.

DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATING NATIONAL CONTEXT

DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATING REGIONAL CONTEXT

CHART ILLUSTRATION COMPARISON OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATISTICS TO NATIONAL AVERAGE

STRATEGIC REGENERATION: ...

As a means of addressing the existing socio-economic conditions of Stoke-on-Trent, as well as the associated health conditions, industry across the city is proposed to be revitalised through the production of advanced ceramics, exploiting an existing network of ceramic knowledge that underpins the cultural heritage of the city. The scheme utilises a proposed regional network in which the entire six towns are regenerated through an upgraded rail and canal system, connecting a series of ceramic factories and educational campuses along the historic transport routes.

The regional network is based upon a model of common knowledge, in which skills, research and labour are shared as a mutual industrial commodity. The hub of the network exists in the form of a hybrid stadium, which encompasses a sports centre, a ceramic factory, and a technical college, intended to deconstruct the relationship between typically rigid and distinct typologies. As with any contemporary stadium however, commercial exploitation is of major concern and therefore an original model of governance utilising principles of spectator ownership is employed as a means of prevention. The model utilises eight urban actors representing the three typologies at both a local, regional, and national scale, but always maintains a majority 51% ownership for the supporters/ football club.

DIAGRAMS ILLUSTRATING THE PROPOSED MODEL OF GOVERNANCE AND URBAN ACTOR RELATIONSHIPS

DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATION REGIONAL CERAMIC NETWORK WITH KEY NODES

SITE CONTEXT:

AREA PLAN (1:12500) ILLUSTRATING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES, SOCIO-CULTURAL LANDMARKS, AND THE STADIUM-BASED PUBLIC SQUARE

SITE PLAN (1:2500) ILLUSTRATING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE STADIUM, FIELD OF PLAY AND NEIBOURING PROPERTIES

PERSPECTIVE OF FIELD OF PLAY TRANSFORMATION PROCESS FROM SPORTS PITCH TO PUBLIC SQUARE

SURFACE CONFIGURATIONS:

VISUAL OF SURFACE CONFIGURATION FOR WEEKLY COMMUNAL EVENT (MARKET)

VISUAL OF SURFACE CONFIGURATION FOR BI-WEEKLY SPORTING EVENT (FOOTBALL MATCH)

VISUAL OF SURFACE CONFIGURATION FOR ANNUAL INDUSTRIAL EVENT (EXPOSITION)

EXTERIOR VISUAL PERSPECTIVE ILLUSTRATING CORE PATH PENETRATING STADIUM PERIMETER FOR COMMUNAL MARKET

UNBOUNDED HYBRIDITY: Establising a Node of Public Assembly The construct of ‘Unbounded Hybridity’ implies the unification of internal and external landscapes, with this instance referring specifically to the utilisation of the stadiums field of play as node of public assembly. The relationship is formed via a main axial route from the train-station cutting through the stadium at an acute angle, in turn gifting the field of play to the public domain. The stadium is further divided by the irregular communal entrances to the east and west, eliminating the private and enclosed nature of a typical stadium’s physical typology. The formation of a public square from the field of play enables neighbouring disjointed residential communities segregated by demographic differences to occupy a single social space, whilst also enabling wider benefits to occupants psychological and physical health.

To allow the field of play to be truly utilised as a public domain however, the transference between surfaces for bi-weekly sporting events required consideration. Retractable systems are viable options, however existing technologies are often time consuming and operationally difficult, and therefore an original surface has been conceived in which 5x5m automated modular units rotate upon their own axis, reducing turnover periods from days to hours. The modules possess two opposing surfaces (artificial turf and asphalt) which can be manually programmed to suit custom configurations appropriate to varying scales of sporting events. The surfaces can additionally be utilised for the expansion of internal configurations of the stadium for weekly, monthly, or annual events, from which the wider community can become involved. For example, an industrial expo or an academic conference can occupy the square, whilst expanding alongside the main axial route directly to the train station from which point national and international attendees would arrive.

EXTERNAL VISUAL PERSPECTIVE ILLUSTRATING COMMUNAL APPROACH TOWARDS SOUTHERN ENTRANCE

DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATING MODULE CAPACITY FOR EACH ACCOMMODATION BASED ON VARIOUS INDUSTRIAL, ACADEMIC AND SPORTING EVENTS

DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATING EXAMPLE CONFIGURATION OF MEDICAL MODULE, FOR WHICH REGULAR SELF-ISOLATED UNITS ARE TO BE OCCUPIED

TRANSFORMATIVE HYBRIDITY: The Adaptive Response to Live Conditions In addition to the application of modular principles for the transference of the field of play surface, these principles are also utilised to enable flexibility in the functional typology of the stadium through the added component of time – a state of ‘Transformative Hybridity’. A total of 69 modules can be accommodated across four storeys, although capacity of the modules is limited to 60% to allow perforation of the facades, which in turn establishes visual relationships between the venue and community. There are six module variations, with each possessing a unique configuration dependant on the accommodation, however there is a degree of flexibility attributed to each variation which allows the occupant to dictate the specific operational arrangement.

The 15x9m modules are available in five variations relating to the programmatic functionality of the industrial, educational, and sporting typologies, which can be rearranged to suit the specific programmatic requirements of academic, industrial, or sporting events. Selected modules will additionally be related to the healthcare of residents, acting as a regional medical clinic which provides services to support the burden upon local hospitals. Whilst generalised modules containing equipment such as MRI, CT and X-rays are incorporated, modules targeting subjects more specific to the urban environment are also utilised, such as addressing the drug epidemic in Stoke-on-Trent through rehabilitation clinics.

SECTION - 1:500 ILLUSTRATION OF MODULE EXTRACTION METHOD

INTERNAL VISUAL PERSPECTIVE ILLUSTRATING COMPOSITION OF FACTORY FLOOR AND VERTICAL DISSECTION OF FLOORPLANS

SECTION - 1:600 BUILDING SECTION ILLUSTRATING INTERNAL DIVISION/ CONFIGURATION THROUGH WESTERN STAND

DIAGRAMS ILLUSTRATING APPROXIMATE ZONING OF TYPOLOGIES ALONG WITH DIRECT AND CONNECTIVE NATURE OF CIRCULATION ROUTES

PROGRAMMATIC COMBINATION: The Production of Synergetic Configurations Whilst transformative processes enabling typological contamination to occur are vital, it must also be considered that the stadium is required to primarily operate as functional ceramic factory and technical college. Due to the strict safety requirements of the ceramic factory, it is necessary for certain accommodations possessing large-scale industrial equipment to be isolated from publicly assessable areas, however whilst isolated, the factory floor is still able to engage with other accommodations through the vertical dissection of floor plans which allows sensory relationships to be formed. This approach of vertical dissection is continuous throughout the building, permitting the various accommodations across the three typologies to directly interact, which in turn facilitates collaborative processes.

The vertical division of floor plans additionally enables vertical glazing strategies to be implemented, from which naturally bright and comfortable working environments (contrary to existing industrial premises) can be generated with limited demand for artificial lighting systems. These pleasant working conditions, in addition to cross-discipline interactions and proximity to public space is intended to promote positive physiological wellbeing, with such conditions associated with improved employment satisfaction/ productivity, circadian rhythms, and emotional regulation.

SECTION - 1:300 BUILDING SECTION ILLUSTRATING SENSORY CONNECTION BETWEEN FLOORS AND ACCOMMODATIONS

FIFTH FLOOR PLAN: A: B: C: D:

Social Space Event Terrace Water Closet Circulation

1270m2 3490m2 200m2 1200m2

FOURTH FLOOR PLAN: A: B: C: D: E:

Social Space Factory Amenity Transferable Module Water Closet Circulation

1240m2 100m2 2320m2 200m2 2300m2

THIRD FLOOR PLAN: A: B: C: D:

Social Space Factory Amenity Archive Transferable Module

410m2 130m2 150m2 2800m2

E: Event Terrace F: Water Closet G: Circulation

6280m2 260m2 2580m2

1650m2 1280m2 270m2 740m2 290m2

F: G: H: I: J:

Transferable Module College Amenity Storage Water Closet Circulation

2800m2 220m2 100m2 610m2 5550m2

580m2 2450m2 2550m2 1250m2 1090m2

F: G: H: I: J:

Transferable Module College Amenity Storage Water Closet Circulation

450m2 450m2 140m2 350m2 6360m2

2620m2 390m2 1820m2 60m2 1470m2

F: G: H: I: J:

Sporting Amenity College Amenity Storage Water Closet Circulation

1480m2 360m2 50m2 270m2 8610m2

1380m2 1960m2 2810m2 1760m2 1300m2

F: G: H: I: J:

Sporting Amenity Maintainance Storage Water Closet Circulation

760m2 2010m2 100m2 330m2 8340m2

SECOND FLOOR PLAN: A: B: C: D: E:

Social Space Lecture/Studio Factory Amenity Library Service Archive

FIRST FLOOR PLAN: A: B: C: D: E:

Social Space Lecture/Studio Factory Amenity Library Service Archive

GROUND FLOOR PLAN: A: B: C: D: E:

Social Space Lecture/Studio Factory Amenity Library Service Archive

LOWER GROUND FLOOR PLAN: A: B: C: D: E:

FLOOR PLANS - 1:1250 EXPLODED AXONOMETIC ILLUSTRATING FLOOR ARRANGEMENTS

Social Space Industrial Equipment Factory Amenity Library Service Archive

INTERNAL VISUAL PERSPECTIVE ILLUSTRATING COMPOSITION OF STUDENTS UNION AND ROLE AS NEUTRAL SPACE BETWEEN ACCOMMODATIONS AND TYPOLOGIES.

VISUAL OF TEMPORARY EVENT-DAY SECURITY AT NORTHERN ENTRANCE

DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATION PROGRAMMATIC SEGREGATION AND SPECTATOR DISTRIBUTION ON EVENT-DAYS

VISUAL OF TEMPORARY EVENT-DAY SECURITY AT EASTERN RESIDENTIAL ENTRANCE

USER/SPECTATOR SAFETY: Facilitating Event-Day Capacity Fluctuations An important consideration in the programmatic configuration of the stadium is the transference between event and non-event day accommodations due to the fluctuation in occupancy rates. The eastern stand has been arranged so social accommodations such as the student’s union are positioned between key functions, in turn acting as a neutral space. On event days, these large spaces are reassigned as concourses, with many of the spectator provisions already situated accordingly. From these spaces, access points to the terraces and services are distributed across multiple floors and zones, preventing safety issues such as congestion. Access to non-event accommodations is restricted through temporary soft boundaries such as exhibitions, allowing much of the stadium to still function as normal with minimal disruption.

Internal configurations are not the only consideration when considering user safety, especially in elite-level sport where secure lines need to be established. Due to the infrequency of sporting events, an emphasis is placed upon temporality, with small-scale crowd control systems placing an emphasis on operational efficiency by specialist labour rather than expensive, large-scale, and imposing security barriers that require permanent erection.

AXONOMETRIC - 1:300 SECTIONAL AXONOMETRIC ILLUSTRATING COMPONENTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY

SUSTAINABLITY CONSIDERATIONS: Respecting the Future of Neighbouring Communities The sustainability of the building is at the heart of all design decisions, especially with consideration for the long-term communal value. Firstly, the modularity of the building is intended to enable adaptability, allowing for maximum capacity utilisation regardless of whether reacting to long-term socio-economic conditions or short-term occupant specific arrangements. Structural systems are designed to be as efficient and lightweight as feasibly possible to reduce excessive material consumption, and any materials that are consumed will be at least partially recycled (whether from local redevelopment projects or through production methods) to reduce the buildings embodied energy.

An emphasis is additionally being placed on the production of clean utilities to service the building, with a series of regional kilns containing fusion reactors providing a localised energy source and heat recovery systems recycling waste energy from the manufacturing/sintering processes. In addition to meeting the building’s needs, these utilities are also to be distributed throughout the community to reduce the cities carbon footprint while supporting the financial burden experienced by local residents.

SECTION - 1:500 SITE SECTION ILLUSTRATING DISTRIBUTION OF ENERGY AND HOT WATER BETWEEN KILNS, BUILDING AND NEIGHBOURING PROPERTIES

AXONOMETRIC - 1:1250 EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC ILLUSTRATING BREAKDOWN OF STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

SECTION - 1:50 FULL HEIGHT STRUCTURAL SECTION OF WESTERN FACADE

STRUCTURAL COMPOSITION: Materialising a Permiable Urban Monolith Due to the scale of the scheme within the immediate context, structural components are intended to be as unimposing as feasibly possible, are therefore are as efficient and lightweight as achievable. The scheme comprises of a steel frame along a standardised 10x10m structural grid. The frame is primarily covered, although is exposed in module locations to symbolise the industrial character of the building. This character is also represented through the general materiality, with reclaimed brick and concrete illustrating the specific industrial heritage of the city. Concrete is additionally utilised for the voided biaxial steel deck slabs which are employed across the building in order to enable greater spans.

The originally conceived roof is also based upon similar principles of avoiding disruption to the context, employing a series of lightweight steel trusses along a regular 20x20m grid that support a lightweight weatherproofed translucent TPU membrane. In order to prevent the obstruction of sightlines, the typical stadium compression ring is utilised as a means of bracing the centre of the roof, in turn allowing structural columns to be set back from seating terraces. These larger 1000mm reinforced concrete columns extend the entire depth of the building, fixed through 20m deep pile cap foundations. The remainder of the building is fixed to a 1000mm foundation slab.