supercity88
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- 9 Aug 2009
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[/QUOTE]Hmmm, those pictures only serve to bolster my thoughts, not belay them!
As for stadia, I was thinking more about making it look like it was MEANT to be three tiers all around, such as Wembley or Emirates. I may be being harsh, considering this is only Phase 1 of 2, but the suspension of the original stadium seemed far more organic, symmetrical, and almost hidden in the ramps.these supports come out of big holes in the side of the stadium, and look like erector set contraptions......to me.
I'm sure it will grow on me, but looks very impressive inside and less so outside in pics.
The stadium was a hybrid design to allow for functionality as an athletics stadium and then adaptability to a football stadium. The first tier was buried below ground level so when outside the ground it wasn't particularly imposing, though the side stands are still huge. Contrary to the older stadia, seating was less compact and more spacious and because of athletics requirements, noise absorption materials were used to allow athletes to hear the starters gun and focus.
Because of the lack of long term thinking in the design, unfortunately it's not been the easiest stadium to expand. Because of structural engineering requirements we've had to link the expanded south stand to the side stands in the way we have as opposed to squaring/circling off and keeping the symmetry. It will be a better look when the other end is done in this manner as well.
The Emirates and Wembley are arenas. They are not good football stadiums. You might be comfortable in them and they might look welcoming but in my opinion a stadium should be imposing and should intimidate the opposition. The sheer size and scale of the expanded south stand does this. The away supporters, particularly those in the lower tiers, will look up and see a wall of blues looking down on them. The angle of the roof and removal of absorbent material will keep noise in and I think the atmosphere will be much improved.
One of my favourite grounds is St James' Park. It's a proper football ground and it's quite a mismatch in terms of the different scale of stands. The huge tier they added, that wraps around the Milburn stand is fantastic.