Hinged flaps provide a level
access route to the infield at the Omnisportcentrum in Apeldoorn
The collaboration of client, operator, contractor and
design team ensured that maximum efficiency of use could be achieved throughout the building’s lifetime
space permits, has been a practical al- ternative. The second approach is to build a purpose-built facility and reduce the seating capacity down to a useable amount after the event – a feat which is very challenging without undermining the long term viability of the building. However, rather than reduce the
spectator capacity of the Dubai Sports Complex, the building was designed to convert into a multi-purpose dry sport, exhibition or concert venue. The pool is configured so that the 50m training pool at the front of the building, which is used as warm up during events, can be a sepa- rate day-to-day training facility, while the main competition and diving pools are converted to other uses. A number of solutions were designed-
in to achieve this. Firstly, water – a precious commodity that is extracted from the sea through desalination – can be transferred from the main pool tanks to massive underground storage tanks adjacent to the building. Secondly, a tres- tle system was designed to sit inside the pool tank to allow the pool to be floored over – providing a 15,000-seat perfor- mance/exhibition arena. A third technical innovation was to provide a double- backed diving platform with access to the training tank as well as the main diving tank from a common gantry.
Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 The sports complex now offers the ver-
satility to meet community, training and elite swimming and diving needs, as well as the opportunity to host a variety of other events.
OMNISPORTCENTRUM, APELDOORN, THE NETHERLANDS Building a velodrome for major interna- tional events poses a unique problem for an ongoing legacy. As a large volume, low sporting occupancy venue, they can be ex- pensive to build, operate and maintain. The continuous banked track or field
of play can make it challenging to gain access to the infield for other uses, which is normally provided through a series of ramps and tunnels. However, 6,000 seats for a major event, a velodrome can become an attractive proposition as a multi-purpose event venue. If the issue of access can be resolved. It can actually pro- vide a large flat floor track centre – the equivalent of three basketball courts. The challenge is how to make use of these large assets for uses other than cycling. The brief for Omnisportscentrum called
for a velodrome that could be quick- ly configured to support other events. Working with Dutch track designer Sanda Douma, a system of carefully engineered hinged flaps was devised that could pro- vide a level access route to the infield
– allowing stage equipment and seat- ing to be wheeled into place relatively quickly. In fact, two flaps are provided – allowing a central axis running through the building, including the track, to provide the required versatility at both front and back of house. There was some initial concern from
cyclists regarding the gap between the flap and the adjoining track and a num- ber of considerations were taken into account, including temperature and humidity, to keep the joint width down to an acceptable 6mm. The building also accommodates
an indoor 200m athletics track to provide a national ‘Category A’ status for cycling and athletics. This track fits inside the safety zone of the 250m cycle track. The collaboration of client, operator, contractor and design team ensured that maximum efficiency of use could be achieved throughout the building’s lifetime. While fine design is always an archi-
tect’s aim, and its beauty enhances the lives of those who view and visit our buildings, this will not ensure the life- time success of an international-standard sports complex. The focus must be on both competition and legacy modes – and designing to deliver the require- ments for both. ●
Read Sports Management online
sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 35
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84