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superdome
This Sunday hundreds of millions of people worldwide will throw parties and huddle around TVs to celebrate the amazing achievements of teams of people who have striven their entire lives for one shot at greatness.
Architects.
Sure, the 49ers and Ravens will put on a show in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, but the really amazing feat was getting stadiums built in the first place. Politicians, architects, and team owners are all famous for having big egos, but like a team, all of them have to work together to succeed and build monuments to their favorite sport.
Mark Williams is a Principal at HKS, the architecture firm that has designed the venues for the last two Super Bowls and is hard at work on a new stadium in Minneapolis. He shared some thoughts on what goes into a super stadium.
"Our designs grow out of our extensive research, brand analysis and understanding the DNA of our clients, their teams and the region they draw from," he says. This philosophy is clearly evident in his firm's work. The new Cowboys Stadium is big and bright, just like everything in Texas, while the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis befits the more modest, industrial nature of the Midwest.
"Technology integration is the biggest design driver recently integrated into our process," says Williams. "We are constantly thinking about how to incorporate today and tomorrow's technology into our venues and their environments." Each stadium displays this integration in a unique way. Duct work you could drive a truck, or Jerome Bettis, through is featured at Lucas Oil Stadium while a $40 million dollar, 544 ton HDTV that spans the 20 yard lines at Cowboys Stadium is the star.
Ultimately, visiting a stadium is still all about human interaction. When asked what fans liked most about the stadiums, it wasn't the seating or concession stand. According to Williams it's "When we create environments that allow them to go behind the scenes, interact with players, and enjoy exclusive opportunities."
It's unlikely that any of these structures will outlast, or have the impact of the Colosseum in Rome, but they are a great reflection of the technology and trends that are shaping our world today.
above:
Super Bowls hosted: 1978, 1981, 1986, 1990, 1997, 2002, 2013
Capacity: 76,468
Completed: 1975
Cost (2013 dollars): $579 million, $223 for Post-Katrina repairs
Architects: Curtis and Davis Associated Edward B. Silverstein &
Associates Nolan, Norman & Nolan The Superdome was conceived and named when a local entrepreneur, looking to bring the NFL to New Orleans, toured Houston's Astrodome and decided he wanted the same style of building — just bigger. The stadium was built and became home to one of the NFL's laughing stock franchises for nearly three decades. During Hurricane Katrina, the Superdome became a shelter of last resort and was severely damaged during the ordeal. It was triumphantly rebuilt, clad in "Champagne Bronze" aluminum panels, and seemingly reinvigorated the home team which captured the NFL championship in 2009. It has also hosted a record seven Super Bowls. Photo: Google Earth; 3/07/2011
Mercedes-Benz (Louisiana) Superdome
Location: New Orleans, LouisianaSuper Bowls hosted: 1978, 1981, 1986, 1990, 1997, 2002, 2013
Capacity: 76,468
Completed: 1975
Cost (2013 dollars): $579 million, $223 for Post-Katrina repairs
Architects: Curtis and Davis Associated Edward B. Silverstein &
Associates Nolan, Norman & Nolan The Superdome was conceived and named when a local entrepreneur, looking to bring the NFL to New Orleans, toured Houston's Astrodome and decided he wanted the same style of building — just bigger. The stadium was built and became home to one of the NFL's laughing stock franchises for nearly three decades. During Hurricane Katrina, the Superdome became a shelter of last resort and was severely damaged during the ordeal. It was triumphantly rebuilt, clad in "Champagne Bronze" aluminum panels, and seemingly reinvigorated the home team which captured the NFL championship in 2009. It has also hosted a record seven Super Bowls. Photo: Google Earth; 3/07/2011
