Hwaseong Sports Complex By DRDS




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Los Angeles architects [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] have designed a sports complex for the Hyundai-Samsung Consortium in Hwaseong, Korea.
The stadium has a perforated metal skin with openings of various size.
Designed in collaboration with Junglim, DMP, Haendlim and A&U,
the project is scheduled to open in 2010. It includes a 35,000 seat
soccer, a 5000 seat arena and a 2000 seat practice field.
Stadiums have significant impact on cities because of their size, so ‘we
have created a harmonious and fluid design that speaks to the civic
aspect of sports architecture, one in which the local community can
take great pride in.’
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Some further information from DRDS:
‘DRDS in collaboration with Junglim, DMP, Haenglim and A&U have
designed the Hwaseong Sports Complex for Hyundai/Samsung Consortium
located in Hwaseong, Korea. It is scheduled to open in 2010, including
a 35,000 seat soccer, 5000 seat arena and 2000 seat practice field.
Stadiums have significant impact on cities because of their size. The
building geometry is minimal, creating a sense of abstract artistry
that is individual. The design merges multiple complex programs into a
singular vision that is bold. The final composition, with its
undulating geometry (emulating the forces of nature), is reminiscent of
mountains, rivers and cloud forms. The building aligns Hwaseong beside
other great cities by providing an exciting civic landmark.

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The program consists of a 35,000 seat stadium for soccer/track +
field, 5000 seat arena and 2000 seat practice field. It is a state of
the art facility with all of the modern features that represent current
trends in Sports architecture. The building is an architectural
showpiece for Hwaseoung, projecting a sophisticated image that
transcends sports and creates harmony with the local community and the
natural topography surrounding it. The arena and stadium, by their
connectivity, create new synergies that are not typical of other sport
complexes.
A dramatic feature of the design is the “synergy zone” between the
stadium and arena. This covered plaza is defined by an organic opening
that defines an area of vertical access between the main public
concourse and retail space. It reinforces the retail diagram by
creating a direct link that creates a sense of place and space during
times when the stadium/arena are operational or not in use. When in
use, it creates a dramatic connection that will enhance retail by
capturing the many spectators that gather for games. Fans can shop and
eat both before and after events stimulating sales. The space also
provides a congregation zone for public gathering that is sheltered
from the weather. This will be a hub of activity uniting multiple
events into a vibrant mixing and gathering zone. It is a grand and
unique space that will enhance the Hwaseong sports complex like no
other sports facility in Korea.

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The roof and side walls of the building are curved metal, creating
an organic and sculpted ‘body’ for the building. Not unlike automotive
design where a beautiful form is created to cloak ‘the machine’ within,
our philosophy of creating a sublime and natural shape enhances and
blurs the more technical message of sports architecture. This creates
mystery and enhances the ’spectacle of experience’. The walls of the
building are curved and perforated metal, creating a sleek look for the
outside of the building. The perforated metal allows for veiled views
from the various concourses of the facility. This is a modern
interpretation of translucent scrims often seen in Korean traditional
buildings. The perforation also varies in openness from one end to the
other creating a gradient effect that will further enhance the building
as it will change characteristics as you move along the façade, subtly
revealing some of the building interior.

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The lighting enhances the design by washing the building from the
outside to illuminate a sculptural mass most times. During an event,
the lighting can change to reveal more of what happens within,
communicating to the outside world the excitement of the game. The
seating bowl undulates at the perimeter. We put more seats on the sides
to taking advantage of optimal spectator views while limiting end zone
seating. Lowering end zone seating increases views to surrounding
context and the mountains beyond. It also allows for views from outside
the facility so the local community can partially share in the
excitement of the game.

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There is a main public plaza to the west of the stadium/arena. It is
cradled by the distinct building geometry creating a more contained
space. This is an additional advantage of combining the buildings. The
enhanced sense of enclosure creates a strong identity as one first
approaches the building and also experiences the space. The plaza is
activated by retail at the base of the arena and a sunken courtyard
that links the plaza with the lower level. A grand ramp originating
from the ’synergy zone’ also unites the plaza with various levels of
the site. This area, a place for pre-game events or celebration, is
positioned for connectivity with the residential neighborhoods to the
west and south. The west plaza also benefit from sunshine throughout
most the day. It will be the perfect spot for pre-game activities
whether for the stadium or the arena. When there is not a function it
will be a pleasant space for those accessing the retail or enjoying the
cafe.
The site is surrounded by subtle and undulating mountains that
create a natural backdrop for Hwaseoung Stadium. A source of
inspiration for the main building, they also inspire the landscape. A
critical component to the design of the masterplan, it reflects the
same harmony and fluidity with nature as the rest of the project. The
building and landscape take their cue from each other and the natural
setting beyond.’home:arch