A bowl structure's arrangement is heavily influenced by the structural solution for the roof but primarily derived to maximize viewing quality. Our designs support form and function, considering efficiency, risks and potential program constraints. We ensure that the bowl's response to dynamic excitation, particularly in concert mode, meets strict standards of comfort.
Our building consultants offer world-class expertise with technical skills covering all aspects of stadium development, from architecturally ambitious steel structures to expert knowledge of the issues surrounding bowl design and dynamic response.
We have supported clients with design for public safety, sightlines, environmental impact, lon- span structures, service loads, and impact on infrastructure, power systems, communications, and water supply.
For retractable roofs, a key issue involves integrating the moving roof system with respect to moving loads, emergency stops, unforeseen obstructions, and roof deflections. We've developed solutions for moving lower tiers to accommodate stage cutouts or to vary the size of the field of play.
Effective sustainable design is paramount to providing optimum financial and environmental performance. Effective reduction of resource use can only be achieved through investigating all alternatives and by undertaking associated life-cycle costing analysis to determine where spending will result in the best return on investment. Our whole-life costing experts enable us to provide sustainability solutions.
Mbombela Stadium, South Africa
As structural designer, Mott MacDonald used state-of-the art modeling and analysis techniques to design a lightweight roof. The roof weighs less than half as much per square foot (or square meter) as the average stadium roof, setting international standards for structural efficiency.
SPS terraces
Our expertise in dynamics enabled us to support a client’s alternative solution to standard precast concrete terrace units generally used in stadiums: a proprietary lightweight system comprising a sandwich construction of steel plates and polyurethane resin. Its main advantage over concrete is its weight to stiffness ratio. A savings in weight of 75% to 80%, high natural frequency and damping make spans of 39 to 49 feet (12 to 15 meters) achievable with further savings on the supporting structure and foundations.
Adelaide Oval, Australia
We managed design and project delivery for the $406 million redevelopment of Adelaide Oval, one of the country’s best-loved sporting venues. Two new spectator stands were built, as well as a plaza and pedestrian bridge crossing the River Torrens.
Royal Artillery Barracks, UK
We were designer for the London 2012 Olympic shooting venues. The three buildings were constructed using rented modular steel frames clad with 100% recyclable PVC inner and outer skins. This enabled them to be fully unmounted, relocated, and reused after the event. The structures incorporated natural ventilation and lighting, saving energy, meeting the demanding tolerances of air movement required for competition, and providing a dramatic spectator experience.
Mosaic Stadium, Canada
With temperatures as low as -31°F (-35°C) during the football season in Regina, our concept design for a $186 million (CDN $250 million) open-air 33,000-seat stadium uses an innovative roof to extend the playing season by two months each year. We carried out modeling and simulation of the arena’s internal microclimate and designed a roof that retains an open-air feeling over the field, while increasing temperature inside by up to 36°F (20°C).