To design the stadium of the future the best point of inspirational reference is from our ancient cultures. The magnitude of their endeavours still leaves us completely reeling today. We are the thin edge of a very large wedge that stretches back as far as mans first artistic endeavors.
We always marvel at the great individuals throughout mans creative history. Individuals who created a clear benchmark when their was not one, men like Vincent who never had a Vincent to inspire him. Leonardo never had a man such as himself to model himself around. We have the privilege of having these artistic beacons to now guide our endeavors.
Whilst we are being guided and inspired by these awesome past talents we should by default be creating better examples.
The point of inspirational reference for this stadium conceptual sketch study was the Coliseum with its labyrinth underneath and absolute drama above, the sphinx for its silent predatory strength , Notre Dame and of course Gaudi.
I imagined huge stalking leopards acting like custodians of the stadium. In these custodians are restaurants, offices, penthouse suites. Providing year round revenue and a out of this world living, working, dining, shopping experiences. I imagined the field rising from below with both teams lined up as they appear from the depths like gladiators of old. With ticker tape, cheering and the hysteria. The outside of the stadium could be clad in a white vitreous enamel. So that the immense spectacle inside can be screened on the outside of the stadium. For the crowds outside to soak up the festivities inside. The euphoria is not limited to the thousands inside, the entire event can be enjoyed throughout the city. There could be a labyrinth of sports cafes , bars, sports museums beneath the stadium for those folk who want the energy of a big game but don't necessarily want to sit in the stands.
With some of the wild wildetect concepts - i used to send to every South African government official, football personality, celebrity, potentail client i can think of. For this one I received numerous emails , faxes , letters telling me great idea, please go through the correct channels of tender. the aim was not to get the 2010 football stadium commission - the aim was simply to get the brand out there. How better than to design, design, design. Showcase far side ideas in a fun way and net spin off work at the same time.
Not everyone enjoys this kind of wild architectural work and at least this way I get to meet like minded clients off the bat without having to go through a grueling interview.
I watched one of those Tommy Hilfiger shows many years back, where a group of clothing designers are given tasks to showcase their skills and abilities. All clawing their way over each other to work for the ol Tommy H. What amazed me is that the person most confidently going off as to how brilliant they where and how they fully deserved the Tom spot was an in all words designer. When the dust settled for the end of the show and the last stitch, dab of paint , eye gauge was done. That person mouthing off sat next to something that was way below the eventual top person for that days show. What left me even more completely gobsmacked was the person was still going off about their brilliant design talents after they had been hoofed off the Tom podium of the next best thing. Confidence is great but a portfolio of design evidence and ability on the particular design job you've been commissioned to do, is completely different.
The stadium of the future is a classic example of Wildetecture concepts has been exploring. wildetecture is pure raw African fauvistic architecture that is expressionistic of this wonderfully dynamic untame-able continent - which is Africa.
The stadium of the future is a classic example of Wildetecture concepts has been exploring. wildetecture is pure raw African fauvistic architecture that is expressionistic of this wonderfully dynamic untame-able continent - which is Africa.
