Date of Submission
Spring 5-9-2023
Degree Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Architecture
Department
Architecture
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Ermal Shpuza
Abstract
Since the 21st century began, sports involvement within society has grown as sporting events have become significant spectacles. Thus, major stadia came to be to hold spectators. Unfortunately, many are on the city's outskirts due to the size of their parking lots, categorized as greyfields. Greyfields are 'Underused' land or a 'sea' of asphalt concrete. The problem of creating greyfields within cities harms the urban fabric and the actual relationship between the stadium and the city. They are creating a disconnection between the two. This proposal is to design an urban hub around a chosen existing stadium to enrich the experience of the stadium and city, allowing them to co-exist and build a stronger relationship.
One of the initial goals for my thesis was to connect sports with architecture through a problem seen in the world. I want to draw a connection between sports and architecture, more specifically, urban design. As the idea developed, it was easy to see how cities and stadia could disconnect when not being thought of in the same realm. Many stadia designs in the US are designed independently of the city. Designers and urban planners select a large piece of land and drop a stadium on it without having a connection piece to the city. Granting sports organizations, a piece of land to construct a stadium near a city is not terrible. However, regarding stadium size, many deem the surrounding area as 'necessary' greyfields leading to little or no development other than the stadium. Thus, creating a desolate area with a large structure supposedly to hold sports spectacles. When the outside is an eyesore, hence, a disconnection is created. This disconnect can be defined as greyfields that surround stadia across the US. Therefore, the problem is established. What to do with greyfields around stadia in an urban context?
Urban design is thought to be used in creating cities and/or places within cities that have a relationship between themselves and the surrounding areas. The overall goal of this thesis is the formation of urban development around a stadium that will be able to connect to surrounding areas that were not done previously. Creating a focus on the stadium and the city that leads to a place of interaction and prominence. Through this goal and initial research into the topic of urban forms, spaces, and morphologies as well as the research into the cause of why greyfields were around almost every stadium in America, questions began to arise.
How can reinventing greyfields help connect the stadium to the city?
How to structure the greyfields around stadia?
What can the impact of the newly developed greyfields be on the city & stadium?