PROFILE: EARL SANTEE I t ’s defini tely a chal lenging time for spor ts


archi tecture right now – we real ly have to focus and innovate constant ly. Every detail counts


The renovation and redevelopment of the


Kyle Field stadium at Texas A&M University was also a huge challenge. We were faced with a building that had been designed by fi ve or six different architects since the 1920s – trying to fi nd a way to unify the architec- ture in and around pre existing conditions was tricky. The scale of the project was also a challenge – it's a $450m renovation, which takes the capacity from 82,000 to 102,500 seats, and the work is being done without interrupting the team's schedule.


Do you have a favourite project? I couldn't choose a favourite, but I do have moments in each that are personally powerful. Walking up on Babe Ruth Plaza at the new Yankee Stadium is a real moment for me. I have a very strong emotional connection to it. We wanted to capture the legacy of the Yankees and I think we did it in a strong way. It reminds me of what a great experience that was.


What have been the highest and lowest points in your career? This year I was named a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects – that was a great moment. I don't often look backwards in my career, I just take one project at a time, so it was great to stop and think: Wow, maybe I really did accomplish something. The lowest points have been whenever we've had to lay anyone off. I love our staff, I love the work they do and the commitment and passion they bring to the projects, so having to let anyone go is really hard.


What are the biggest trends in sports architecture at the moment? We're going through a really dynamic change in the industry because of technology. The experience people can have at home is so much greater than it used to be, so the challenge is competing with that and giving as much impact to the experience of watching a live sporting event as possible.


80 CLADGLOBAL.COM


Santee says the Yankee Stadium, New York City captures the legacy of the Yankees It's definitely a challenging time for


sports architecture right now with so much competition – we really have to focus and innovate constantly. Every detail counts.


How do you judge whether a building has been a success or not? If you can create great experiences outside a building, it’s easier to create them inside. You have to focus on tying the two together. On greenfi eld sites it's more challenging because everything’s new, you have to under- stand connected moments – how people arrive, their experience as they approach and once they get inside. With urban sites, one of the biggest factors is whether people can get there easily. You have to give them every reason to come and remove reasons not to.


How has the focus on sports legacy changed during your career? Together with our partners in London, we've been thinking hard about the adaptability of


our projects as they move on in their lives. The London Olympic Stadium [designed by Populous] was a good example of this.


What's the best part of your job? And the worst?


I love when I'm in a meeting with a client and they're fi nding something impossible and we fi nd a solution. There’s a magic moment when everyone gets it at the same time. These moments are what really builds the relation- ship with a client; they bind you forever. The worst part of my job? I'm not a morning person. I do my best work after noon.


Which other architects do you admire?


I've always liked the simplicity of César Pelli's work. I like Calatrava's work, and I like the clarity of IM Pei's work.


What three words sum you up? Passionate, engaged and optimistic. ●


CLADmag 2015 ISSUE 1


PHOTO: ESTO PHOTOGRAPHICS. OPPOSITE PAGE: CHRISTY RADECIC


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