26 VIEWS
ASK THE ARCHITECT
With extensive experience in arena and stadium design, John Rhodes of HOK explains what drives him, and how the pandemic has forced designers to ‘futureproof’ major facilities
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME AN ARCHITECT?
I think I have always wanted to be an architect. My life was filled with drawing from an early age and I probably spent an unhealthy amount of my youth building dens, borrowing tools and constructing things. So, coming from a practical family, the balance between art and science that architecture offered seemed a justifiable natural outlet for my creative indulgences. This has served me well as I am still allowed to continue my passion for drawing and creating things while still appearing to have a grown-up job!
John Rhodes, design principal and director of sports + entertainment at HOK
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT IT MOST? The diversity and scale of the problems we face is always invigorating, one day defining an urban plan philosophy on a macro scale, the next solving a tricky thermal bridge connection. The ecliptic range and mix of skills needed means there is always more to learn. Plus, the linear nature of the process always means the journey is interesting and fresh. A good design solution comes from a good understanding of our clients’ needs.
We sometimes have the opportunity to add beauty and even magic to the world. How many professions allow you to do that?
WHAT IS THE HARDEST PART OF YOUR JOB NOW?
The growing contractual squeeze on the profession. We are seeing a worrying trend of unseen third and fourth party collateral warranties being loaded on the design team for matters well outside our scope.
HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC CHANGED THE DESIGN APPROACH TO SPORTS ARENAS? Before the pandemic, sport and entertainment venues were becoming the vanguard of the intersection between the physical and digital world. After the pandemic we now have to transition back from the digital to physical world. New trends such as in venue pre- ordering and grab and go service have now become the norm in day-to-day life, and will have a much larger role to play in stadium hospitality. Technology will continue to be augmented in our experience. Sports teams
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
ADF FEBRUARY 2022
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 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108
