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sp_hor_SIG S   URBAN STRATEGY<< EXTERIOR & LANDSCAPE<< INTERMEDIATE ZONE<< STAND & WAVE<<   LOCATION PLAN   SITE PLAN   URBAN INTEGRATION PLANS       S   EXTERIOR PAVEMNT SYSTEM DETAIL   EXTERIOR PAVEMENT SYSTEM: SECTIONS           S   SECTION THROUGH STADIUM STADIUM PLAN       S   FAN TYPES                

STADIUM IN GRORUDDALEN
Groruddalen, Oslo

Type: Studio Project
Role: Project Architect [in partnership]

Team: Don Lawrence, Nicole Martin

S S S S S S S S S S S S S EXTERIOR AND THE LANDCAPE
The concept of soft boundaries was applied in the treatment of the external surfaces of the project via an integrated paving system and a translucent skin on the stadium. The concept was so that interaction between elements was gradual, visual and active. The new paths used to carry the event pedestrian traffic also interact with the existing walking paths to create better connections within the existing recreational areas, useful both on and off game day. The heights of the paths vary to control pedestrian movement, sunken to restrict the event crowd spilling into the residential area, raised around the stadium to create viewing points, where replays of the game can be projected on the skin of the stadium. These created slopes can then also acts as playground for snow sledding, skateboards and other recreational activities. The soft edges paving system bleeds into the water and grass, allowing flexibility for future expansion and repairs.
S S S S       S S INTERMEDIATE ZONE
The intermediate zone describes the area between the exterior skin and the internal stands of the stadium. The project enhances the activity within the central focal point of the site by concentrating the additional program of the stadium within the vicinity of this area. The skin peels away from the internal bowl, creating a foyer for the stadium allowing greater crowd and security control during game time. In non-game time the space is used as access to the internal office, conference and restaurant facilities. It also acts a recreation space with internal rock climbing wall and protection from the weather in winter, with access to public amenities such as toilets and kiosks. The pitch can also be used for inter-school sports tournaments.
S S S       STAND WAVE
Different football fans prefer different types of seating. VIP’s need luxury boxes with access to conference facilities, families prefer easy to access seating that is not too steep or far away from amenities, whilst the diehard football fans prefer ultra steep stands, often behind the goals where they can chant and enjoy the atmosphere of the crowds. The Norwegian football association also prefers control over the crowd ensuring that conflicts do not occur between differing user groups, separating the families from the loud fans, looking after the VIPS and making sure that supporters from opposite teams to do have clashes.
We used these user demands as a means to instigate a system of varied stand inclinations rotated around the field. The result is an internal wall of seating that resembles a wave. This system creates a surreal experience of motion and activity, to enhance the experience of the stadium even when the stands are not full. The experience would be especially exciting for the players who would feel the full brunt of the wave atmosphere.
S S S S   S S S S  

The Stadium in Groruddalen and it’s subsequent research explores the possibility of bringing the European Football Championship to Norway and its after effects. In addition to the normal trappings of a football stadium it features a wide range of public services and amenities that engages the surrounding district. It shows how the construction of a stadium could benefit existing municipal plans for the area and become a catalyst for the site’s transformation from former industrial complex to a new cultural district.

The new Stadium represents a study in compromises, as it address and reconciles the program demands and concerns of the Norwegian Football Federation, The Municipal District of Stovner & Rommen, and the adoring fans of football.