THE NEXT
GENERATION SOMETHING
Fewer seats, connectivity, and urban environments are elements taking center stage in new facility designs. From professional sports stadiums to intimate performing arts centers, facility construction is booming worldwide.
Developers of this generation of buildings are implementing fea-
tures that help attendees feel connected, establish a sense of space, and ensure that everyone has a safe and secure experience. “Getting people to come to (events) is a challenge today,” says Ron
Turner, Principal at Gensler Sports in Los Angeles. “New facilities are being built to allow them to be engaged.”
Bigger is Not Always Better The concept of “if you build it they will come,” has changed
from quantity of space to quality of experience. Also, managers are realizing that building large facilities, simply for the sake of doing so, creates unnecessary operating budget challenges. New facilities are being built with a focus on reducing capacities
sports stadium previously was to give fans a place to sit and view games. Limited exposure to live sports and entertainment meant that the only way a fan could watch their favorite team or performer was to purchase a ticket and see it live, but technology and the saturation of media coverage has given fans other opportunities to keep up with - able experiences. “Architects and owners are crafting some really innovative prod-
ucts that are designed to engage the next generation of sports fans,” says Bart Miller, Principal at Walter P. Moore in Houston. “Even in renovations to existing venues we’re seeing that seating capacity is modernize those by creating a new breed of social environments and capture new revenue sources.”
36 Facility Manager Magazine The Houston Astros’ latest project, for example, is a redevelop-
area features seven cascading structural levels of restaurants and
areas and an underperforming district in the ballpark into a real destination for fans,” Miller says. -
es that are dispersed throughout the facility. Another, somewhat sur- prising feature, is the popularity of newly created Standing Room out events, SRO areas are now desirable as social gathering spots and generating new sources of revenue through corporate sponsor- ships. Sponsors that can promote their products within these spaces are ideally suited. Flexibility has also replaced the need for larger spaces in per-
forming arts centers as well as in convention centers. Jonah Sacks, Principal of Acentech in Massachusetts, says that
building owners want to make the most of their dollars and are look- ing to make more multi-purpose space. Theaters, for example, want music rooms that can be used for performances but also scaled down for rehearsal space. “They really want to make the most of limited space,” he says.
Connecting Communities
The desire to provide an all-around experience has led developers to put just as much emphasis on ancillary features as the primary entertainment facility. The live, work, play concept has been tossed “The features that matter most are those that enrich the guest
experience and help generate revenue for the venue,” says Robert Svedberg with TVS Design. “We are seeing an increased interest in exterior spaces that can connect the venue to its city and provide dramatic event opportunities.” Developers are looking for ways to extend the guests’ experience
beyond the actual event. How can they get them to come early and stay late are the components used in designing new projects? At the Rams and Chargers massive 300-acre development in In- glewood, Calif., the NFL is relocating its broadcast assets. This site
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