FORCE STUDIES 2

From the initial force study, it was determined that the arena location needed a connection to Wooster St. (a high-traffic, prominent street on the south end of campus leading directly to downtown). The Rhino model was therefore extended across the Library plinth to a proposed green space adjacent to the street. This would provide a visual as well as physical connect between Wooster St. and the new arena site.

 

View from Wooster St.

 

View of Library entrance

FORCE STUDIES

Looking at Site 2 on the BGSU campus, an exploration of possible massing and site planning was achieved through an application of forces. 

First, forces such as views, building adjacencies, and privacy were used to create vertical space. Next, forces were used to create transparency by rotating strips up for underground parking and program.

High pedestrian traffic from nearby dormitories and car traffic were expressed through horizontal forces.

Finally, vertical and horizontal forces were combined in a final model

SITE ANALYSIS

The project I have decided to pursue for my thesis is the development of an arena located on the Bowling Green State University campus. The campus plans to build a new arena by 2012. They have chosen a site which is location 1 on the site analysis drawings. I will be questioning this site location, and explore other opportunities closer to the core of campus.

Arenas have remained widely unchanged for many years, except for the amenities they contain. I have researched several case studies that are exceptions, one of which being the Saitama Super Arena in Japan. This arena utilizes kinetic architecture to provide a transforming space for small uses such as basketball games and small concerts, but can expand seating capacity 10x for large concerts and American football games.

There is an opportunity for a university arena to take on these transformative capabilities to utilize all of the available square footage. I will be exploring possibilities of lecture halls doubling as seating for arena events, and indoor structure transforming into outdoor amphitheater space.

NORTHWEST OHIO ANALYSIS

BOWLING GREEN CAMPUS

SITE 2 ANALYSIS

SITE 1 ANALYSIS

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM