2014 National Architectural Thesis Competition - Entry No. 10

It has been reflected in the politics and anthropology of space that structures with greater significance have always been placed in the periphery and in the center of the society (Balajadia 2013).Today the new era of globalization, there is a creation of interconnected and interdependent civilizations sharing ideas and technology across the globe. Even culture is shared globally and one example of it is sports. Sport has become the new global currency, for it is a good agent to promote social cohesion, health awareness and global unity(Sheard 2005). International sporting events have made cities into a world stage. Today, there has been increased interest in the idea of promoting urban development and change through the hosting of major events. This approach offers host cities the possibility of ‘fast track’ urban regeneration, a stimulus to economic growth, improved transport and cultural facilities, and enhanced global recognition and prestige(Chalkley and Essex 1999) The requirements of these Major events have allowed rethinking and redesigning of host cities fit to welcome athletes, media, and guest all over the world(CHALKLEY. and ESSEX 1999). Thus many urban cities compete against other urban cities for the hosting rights and improve or renew old cities. 

As the proponent explore the topic through gathering of data from existing research and sample projects, interviews with experts, and ocular inspection, the study have synthesized a new body of knowledge that contributes to the development of Sports Architecture and Legacy Master Planning. The study have introduced a new brand and standards to achieve urban regeneration through sports which are (1) Infrastructure and Economic Development, cities grow rapidly most cities expand horizontally and generating urban sprawl where there is creation of new urban centers thus leaving city centers behind to decay. To prevent urban deterioration, placing Sports facility in the heart of the city can be a jump start to regenerate the face of urban areas as well as improve the Infrastructure and Commercial activity around the neighborhood since sports complex are mass generating facility. Another set standard for urban regeneration is there should be a contribution to (2) Health Awareness and Culture Development, Filipinos are health-conscious, but this health consciousness is only on matters of taking food supplement, eating healthy food, etc. we do not have yet a culture of exercise as part of the everyday life of the Filipinos (Balajadia 2013). This problem can be address through architecture Urban regeneration projects that will include facilities for sports, parks, recreation areas and green spaces that is accessible and available to the city can contribute to bolster a culture of health and exercise among Filipinos. An additional contribution of Sports and Sports Architecture to the society is to develop and inculcate especially to the youth that value of discipline, nationalism and unity class lines and ethno linguistic difference are blurred by sports thus we are building a good future for our country. Lastly and Urban Regeneration project should contribute to the (3) Environmental Protection and conservation, since projects such as sports complex requires vast land developing in greenfield area needs to cut down hectares of trees whereas placing it in decaying Urban and Industrial portion of the city it not only save trees but can also be a potential for a brownfield revitalization project. 

Another Part of the study is Legacy Master Planning, these new concept has been used in recent projects related to sports especially to Olympic Parks. Sports Complex is a multi-Billion public investment, in the case of the Olympic Games 

Preparation to build these facilities last up to 7 years or more to be used for a 16 day event. Olympic Parks built from the past have reflected huge problems like post-Olympic use creating multi-billion white elephant projects thus by learning from the past Designing sports complex now aims to think beyond the games and design a more sustainable and adaptable facility. The legacy that the study aims for the proposed project to achieve a more adaptable design for the future is to create a (1)New District/Neighborhood inside the City Center, an inclusive mixed-use community that will add new color and vibrancy to the heart of the city as well a cultural and sports area where people can gather to celebrate and recreate. (2)Strengthening of sports especially to the youth is very vital, since the complex contains different sporting facilities there is a wide option of disciplines that can be use, introduce and develop among young Filipinos and also a chance to discover potential athletes that will represent the country in the future. Lastly major sporting events must bring (3)International Prominence to the host city and the country as one of its legacy. This will be delivered since the eye of the world will be focused on the host city in the duration of hosting international events and if delivered successfully it can place the host city into the “A” list for potential investment in the global market. It will open new opportunities for the city for investors and over all development of the city. 

All the results of the study will be used for the proposed Davao City Sports Park. The project will start with the assumption of the Davao City as the host for the 2021 Southeast Asian Games. The event will be used as the tool to push through the Urban Regeneration Project. The scope of the study is to Master Plan all the possible venues for sports around the city; a concept map will be provided which will include the foci of the Study which will be the Master Planning of the Sports Park. The Sports Park will be the center of the games and the Urban Regeneration and Legacy Project. A vital part of planning this facility is the site, after a site selection process of which the study can be more effective the chosen site for the project is located at the CBD of Davao City and in the Davao River and Gulf Area. The area is a mix used zone of Institutional and Residential zone; however the site offers great opportunity for the site is located in the estuary of the Davao River with existing Mangrove and Nipa Trees existing on the proposed site. On the river banks are informal settlers which not only contributes to the pollutant of the River but as well as endanger their lives because of disasters that the river might bring. The River gives dynamics to the development it may cause distraction if not carefully planned but if used well it can give life to the development. The riverbank area will be utilized in the site as an easement zone with long spans of gentle slope that is natural till the river edge to allow natural flow of the water and natural overflow. These areas can also be used as parks and recreation area where people can rebuild a healthier man-environment relationship. 

The Master Plan of the 66 hectares is divided into 6 zones; each mass generating sports is designated per zone to divide the human and vehicular traffic. Each zone also has a master planned legacy that will identify the post games function of these venues to achieve a more adaptable future. The zone 1 comprises of 3 competing venues which are 2,000 capacity Badminton, 3,000 capacity Table Tennis and 3,000 Capacity Lawn Tennis Arena as well as the International Broadcasting Center which will be the home of the different types of Media that will cover the whole events of the Games. The Public Square is also located on this zone, a 15,000 square meters of open space that can be used as gathering area, events ground and parking space. For its legacy All of the competing venues will retain its purpose after the games it will serve as sporting as well as training facilities for the city and national athletes as well as rentable venues for private matches. The 3,000 square meters International Broadcast Center will become the Museum of the Davao 2021 Games it will serve as the gallery of moments of the games as well as the display of the equipment’s and materials used such as costumes, Balls and other memorabilia’s of the event. The Zone 2 consists of 2 competing venues which are the Basketball and Volleyball Arena. Both venues hold 10,000 permanent capacity. The venues will also serve during the ASEAN ParaGames after the SEA Games for events such as Wheelchair Basketball and others. For the zones Future Legacy both venues will serve as permanent training and sporting events venues for the athletes of the city and the country. Since both sports contain high popularity in the Filipino society the zone is designed with outdoor warm up area that will be used as public sporting facilities that is free of access and use for all. The zone 3 contains the most important structure in the whole development the Main Stadium. It will host the Opening and Closing ceremonies of the SEA Games and ASEAN ParaGames, as well as sports such as Football and Athletic events. The zone is designed at the foci of the development, the center of all venues. For the zone 3 legacy the 30,000 capacity stadium will become the home of local and nation athletes for training and event venue. It will maintain its capacity that can be used for other events aside from sports such as concert, festivals and large crowd gathering. It will also contain commercial spaces inside and outside the stadium to compliment the crowd generating sports venue. The zone 4 covers most sports than any zone as well as the 105,000 sq. meter floor area 12 building athletes village. There are four Indoor Arenas around this zone the Indoor arena Hall 1 holds a 2,500 capacity 3,000 wrestling and fencing arena. Hall 2 comprises of 2,500 and 2,000 capacity Karate and Judo Arena, respectively. Hall 3 is a 5,000 capacity Arena that will hold Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics along with Boxing. Hall 4 comprises of the 2,500 size weightlifting arena with additional facility for Local and tribal sports. For the future of this zone, most Venues will become training facilities and venues to strengthen the programs for these Olympic sports. Half of the Athletes Village will become a Private hotel for the visitors from outside the city attending future event since the athletes village is a private funded facility. The other half will become a permanent Housing and Dormitories for retired and training athletes, respectively. The zone 5 covers the 3,000 capacity Baseball Arena and the Aquatic Center 1 and 2. The Aquatic Center 1 holds 1 Water Polo Pool and diving platform and pool with a 5,000 capacity venue for Diving and Water Polo and the Center 2 has two Olympic Size Swimming pool 5,000 capacity venue for Swimming and Synchronized Swimming Events. Zone 5 legacy will be the baseball Park will continue to serve as a venue for Baseball games as well as training for the athletes. The aquatic center 1 will become a shared training facility with the marine school of Agro Industrial College. The Aquatic Center 2 will become a permanent completion and training facilities for Swimming and Synchronized swimming facility. The zone 6 will serve venues such as 5,000 capacity beach Volleyball Arena, a 7,000 capacity Velodrome, and a 1,500 sq. meters BMX ground 1,500 seating area bleachers. For its Legacy most of these venues will continue to become a completion and training facility for these elite sport to ensure a strong Legacy of these sports in the Philippines. The Venues will provide a wonderful facility to encourage the youth participation in these unique sports. 

This Sports complex is a very big project that is why the master plan will also provide a conceptual time line which will include milestone to follow. Each year there are10 milestones of site and building works to accomplish, this is to ensure that the Sports Park can be delivered on the desired deadline for it to serve for the future Games. The schedule is also to safeguard the amount of significant public investment in the project and let it be accountable themselves the progress being made The first set of milestones – known as ‘demolish, dig, design’ – focused on preparing the site for the main construction of the venues and infrastructure for the Games, and the legacy beyond 2021. The next sets marked the three phases of ‘the big build’: foundations, structures and completion. All these milestones will ensure that the venues will be set and ready for Davao’s time to host the 2021 Southeast Asian Games.

Posted in: Thesis 2014