Stadium Architecture: Designing the Atmosphere at Live Events

Abstract

New Zealand (NZ) is known internationally for it’s success in sport. However, attendance at live events is dwindling resulting in empty seats and fragmented crowds. People are instead choosing the comfort, intimacy and low cost of home or the local pub to watch the game. This has a direct negative impact on the crowd atmosphere.

This thesis explores stadium atmosphere, suggesting that stadium design should expand beyond facilitating an event and instead play an active role in the overall experience. It seeks to use the spectator as the main design driver continually considering how architecture can be used to stimulate the crowd.

The research finds that internationally stadiums are far more successful at stimulating atmosphere, embracing modern technology, lighting and distinctive architectural form. For NZ to play in the international arena it must offer a venue of equivalent standards whilst overcoming the restraints of a much smaller population and a venue that can cater to a range of events and scales.

The thesis design proposes a world class stadium that; is iconic in its form and location; embraces new technology and uses architectural composition and device to stimulate atmosphere. It offers an alternative to the current stadia design suggesting the atmosphere is the most important driver for a venue ensuring the event will be successful regardless of its scale.