Modu-span Pavilion: Design of a Sports Arena

Project idea

Phase 01: The design of the modular structure of the pavilion is inspired by a 4-sepal, 4-petal flower called “Evening Primrose.”. A total of 6 modules have been designed on the site (50 m * 30 m area) with only 6 ground supports. The largest span between the columns is 23 m towards one axis. A span of 17 m between each column has been designed on the other axis. While the ground is designed to be made of reinforced concrete, The other structural members are made of steel.

Phase 02: Appropriate functions and relevant spaces have been included alongside the primary function (sports activities) of the pavilion with the modular structure that supports the super-roof of the pavilion. Adjacent to the Doel Chattar (Magpie Roundabout), an iconic roundabout near landmarks like the Curzon Hall, the Mausoleum of the Three Leaders, and the University of Dhaka’s central football field, the site is in the heart of Dhaka city.

The design’s inclined facades are inspired by the dynamic angles of an athlete’s running posture. The sports arena reflects Dhaka’s tropical savanna climatic characteristics and incorporates principles from traditional courtyard-style housing, where each function is separated by open spaces to facilitate daylight penetration in spaces and natural ventilation. Another key design focus is the reflection of the superstructure on the water body north of the building.

Project description

This project consisted of two phases. The first phase, named ‘The Stretch: Sheltering a Space', was a hands-on exercise to develop the knowledge of a systematic framework for building a particular structure and to study the principles of modular structure and connections between multiple modules to achieve a very large span. The challenge was to use the minimum ground support possible to cover the given site area.

The second phase, named ‘Design of a Sports Arena', aimed at implementing the learnings of the large-span modular steel structure of the first phase into accommodating sports-related functions. Not only did it focus on the structural logic of large-span architecture, but it also emphasized the functionality, site’s contextual integration, and climatic features of the site, such as daylight and natural ventilation.

In the second phase, the proposed design seeks to visually connect the mentioned significant landmarks to their surroundings, creating an atmosphere of celebration. From the cafeteria and the Hall of Fame, visitors can enjoy expansive views of these landmarks simultaneously. A water body extending from the north to the east side of the complex is integrated into the design, controlling access points and providing a reflective perspective of the structure. This reflection will be visible from both Doel Chattar and the metro-rail. The café, strategically positioned next to the water body with a deck extending northward, offers a unique floating experience with clear views of the famous roundabout, the beautiful mausoleum, and the iconic Curzon Hall during the day.

Technical information

The main sports hall features a futsal field that can be converted into two basketball courts as needed. The arena distinctly separates public zones from private areas, including players’ locker rooms, a gym, and other amenities. To delineate functional zones while maintaining visual connectivity, green spaces, or courtyards, are incorporated between them. The angles of the east and west facades align with the steel-structured super-roof, reducing solar glare and interior heat. The super-roof, a significant project feature, includes ‘X-shaped’ cut-outs replaced with translucent Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) sheets. This design ensures sunlight penetration, illuminating the futsal field while diffusing light to provide a comfortable playing environment without glare.
The in-between courtyards not only separate the public zone (reception, hall of fame, cafe, spectator gallery) from the private player zone (locker rooms, manager’s room, gymnasium, etc.) but also ensure that the whole complex stays well-lit during the day, as well as naturally well-ventilated. Sunlight, to some extent, can even enter the spaces under the spectator gallery (VIP zone, zone for people with disabilities/PWD, washroom, and kitchen). The vertical and inclined louvers also create mesmerizing patterns of light and shadows at the sides of the main field and in the spectator gallery.

Documentation

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