STADIUM is an in-house parametric design tool developed to aid architects and engineers in the early stages of stadium bowl design. Stadia are probably the clearest example of structure being architecture. Stadium bowl design is heavily governed by rules, written and unwritten, and conventions of the industry. Capturing these rules and conventions within a parametric designer allows the designer the freedom to focus on the design, knowing that the tool will ensure that she stays on the playing field, if you'll excuse my analogy. Because of the direct connection between the stadium massing, the layout of the stadium bowl and the supporting structure, the engineering team has a large influence on design of stadia. This tool allows us to explore options while getting feedback on seat locations and numbers, sightlines and access and egress requirements, providing the analysis necessary to create the best spectator environment.
Currently, the tool allows for full customization of seating rows and tiers, divided into four sections (N/S/E/W stands typically), while producing raking beams, stands, stairwells and vomitoria as well as an option to trim the outer edge by a boundary volume. The script analyses the stadium bowl providing data on section and total capacities and c-values per row, and can plot simple plans and sections for print to give the users quick and simple feedback on their design.
Further improvements are in the pipeline:
