sb 1/2025 (english)

SPORTS HALLS AND ARENAS

EDITORIAL

DEAR IAKS MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF SB,

This issue of ‘sb’ celebrates the evolving role of sports halls and arenas – not just as performance spaces, but as sustainable, inclusive, and community-driven hubs for movement and connection. The planning and design of future sports and leisure facilities must be guided by a holistic approach – one that integrates environmental responsibility, social accessibility, and multi-purpose functionality. To meet these demands, we must embrace forward-thinking strategies that prioritize sustainability, inclusivity, and community engagement.

Sustainability: Rethinking sports architecture for a greener future

The environmental impact of large sports facilities is undeniable, from resource-intensive construction to high energy consumption. To mitigate these effects, sustainability must be at the core of sports hall and arena design. This requires a multi-faceted approach. The integration of photovoltaic panels, geothermal heating, and energy-efficient building envelopes can significantly reduce carbon footprints. Facilities such as the SAP Garden Arena in Munich, Germany demonstrate how adaptive green roofs and energy-efficient building shells can harmonize with their surroundings while minimizing environmental impact. Advanced monitoring technologies can optimize energy use, water consumption, and indoor air quality, ensuring that operational efficiency is maintained without compromising athlete and spectator comfort. The use of mass timber, recycled materials, and prefabricated elements – as seen in the Velodrome Sports Complex in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium – not only reduces embodied carbon but also allows for future adaptability and reuse.

Inclusivity: Designing for all users

A truly successful sports facility is one that serves a diverse audience – spanning age groups, abilities, and socio-economic backgrounds. The Velodrome in Heusden-Zolder also sets an example with its integral accessibility measures, including designated viewing areas and sensory-friendly environments. The Senior & Community Center in Redmond, USA illustrates how sports halls can serve as multi-generational spaces, blending fitness opportunities with community-oriented functions such as cultural performances and educational programs.

Community-driven development: Strengthening local identity

The SAFRA Choa Chu Kang Clubhouse in Singapore exemplifies how a sports facility can seamlessly connect with its surroundings, drawing nature into the built environment and fostering an active public realm. The Skolen ved Søerne Gym Hall in Frederiksberg, Denmark accommodates diverse activities beyond traditional sports, by transforming a traditional gymnasium into a dynamic movement laboratory. Architecture should also reflect the local identity, as seen in the Nîmes Sports Hall in France, where the textile-inspired facade pays homage to the city’s heritage.

Moving forward: A collaborative effort

A paradigm shift in sports facility planning and design is required – one that fosters collaboration between architects, planners, policymakers, manufacturers, and community stakeholders. Cities and governments must incentivize sustainable design solutions, while architects and industry leaders must embrace innovation and cross-disciplinary partnerships.

In March, IAKS Nordic, in collaboration with the Swedish Fair, invites the world to Gothenburg for the Sports Summit 2025. Here we will discuss the importance of championing sustainability, inclusivity, and community-driven development.

André Flatner President IAKS Nordic

André Flatner

SPORTS HALLS AND ARENAS

IAKS NORDIC: 2025 STUDY TOUR TO GOTHENBURG

GOTHENBURG, MARCH 11, 2025

Photo: Bert Leandersson

The study tour on 11 March 2025 organized by IAKS Nordic will lead to a variety of exciting facilities around the City of Gothenburg, including the numerous facilities at the large sports area “Kvibergs sport field” and the ancient sports area Slottsskogsvallen.

Take a look behind the scenes at:

• Kviberg ice and sport hall (featured in sb 1/2024)

• Serneke Arena, with an indoor cross-country skiing area, two sports halls, indoor soccer pitch and much more

• Beach Center, with 16 indoor beach volleyball courts

• Slottsskogsvallen, a 100-year-old track and field arena, just updated to a modern standard without losing the historical value

• The new activity park Entréparken

• Östermalmshallen Padel (featured in sb 5/2024)

The study tour will offer useful insights, a wealth of information, and casual networking opportunities during lunch and dinner and throughout the day.

After the study tour, IAKS Nordic invites all participants and all IAKS members to a three-course networking dinner.

Registration fee

IAKS members: 60 €

Non-members with a ticket to Sport summit: 75 €

Other non-members: 90 €

Dinner (including wine package): 110 €

Dinner (without wine package): 70 €

Special rates for IAKS members at 'Träffpunkt Idrott', 11-13 March in Gothenburg

The study tour is an independent part of the conference Sport Summit (March 11-13, 2025). On March 12, the conference Sport Summit will have six international seminars arranged in collaboration between the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre and IAKS Nordic. All IAKS members have a 20 % discount on all tickets to the conference. Don't forget to enter the code TPI25IAKS to take advantage of the IAKS discount.

IAKS UK & IRELAND: 'ACTIVE WELLBEING IN COMMUNITIES'

CARDIFF,

APRIL 10 -11, 2025

For the first time, IAKS UK & Ireland are hosting a seminar and facility tour in Wales. Featuring local and internationally renowned thought leaders, expert talks, and a hands-on workshop - 'Active Wellbeing in Communities' will share lessons from the Welsh experience of sport and leisure – which can be applied to the rest of the UK and Europe. Secure your front-row seat today!

This one and a half day Cardiff event addresses key contemporary issues within the sport and leisure industry. Have people's needs and the needs of society changed? If so, why? What are the new factors that drive these changes? Experts from across the UK, Scandinavia and Ireland will explore this and share potential solutions.

April 10th

Day 1 will define the issues and needs. The day kicks-off at lunchtime at the stunning Principality Stadium with keynote talks by Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales. He will explain how this groundbreaking legislation is shaping Wales. Sport Wales will discuss how they are responding to changing needs of communities as will Lucy Donovan who will discuss the delivery of Positive Futures in Gwent. There will be an exclusive behind the scenes tour of key venues in the Sports Wales National Centre – the home of Welsh sport. The conference dinner gives an unrivalled opportunity to network and share ideas with peers.

April 11th

Day 2 examines examples of what the future of activities and community sports facilities could look like. We draw upon experience and expertise from Scandinavia, the UK and Ireland from operators, government bodies and designers. Speakers will identify how activity, sports and well-being can work effectively in different circumstances for different communities and new ways of delivery.

EVENT PARTNERS:

Why attend?

This event is essential for anyone involved in planning and delivering sport, activity, health and well-being services or facilities. It will have take-aways for people working with small and large communities who are looking to create inclusive offers with tangible results. It is a unique opportunity to engage directly with a host of pioneering people with truly innovative approaches.

Who will attend?

This event is ideal for those working at all levels of government, local authorities, developers, health and well-being professionals, sports organisations, sports’ governing bodies, community groups, construction and design professionals, and industry consultants.

Registration fee

IAKS members: GBP 185 (EUR 220)

Public sector: GBP 220 (EUR 261)

Non members: GBP 300 (EUR 355)

Students: GBP 80 (EUR 95)

Conference dinner on 10 April (excl. drinks): GBP 30 (EUR 36) iaks.sport/en/event/2025Cardiff

Photo: Newport Live

FSB 2025 REPORTS STRONG DEMAND ON THE EXHIBITOR SIDE

28-31 OCTOBER 2025 IN COLOGNE, GERMANY

Author: FSB

Just under nine months before FSB opens, the International Trade Fair for Public Space, Sports and Leisure Facilities is seeing strong demand from German and international exhibitors. More than 80 per cent of the exhibition space is already reserved, and almost all the major industry players have confirmed their participation in the event. In total, around 650 companies from over 40 countries will present their products and services at the forthcoming edition of FSB. As the world’s most important marketplace for sports and leisure facilities, FSB gives all the market players a superb overview of new technologies, product innovations, process optimisations and visionary concepts, making it a key source of inspiration for the design of tomorrow’s urban living environments. FSB 2025 will take place in Cologne from 28 to 31 October 2025 in co-location with aquanale, the International Trade Fair for Sauna. Pool.Ambience.

STRONG PRESENCE FROM MAJOR MARKET PLAYERS

Even at this early stage, numerous renowned companies from the sector have already confirmed that they will be appearing at FSB 2025. The list of registered exhibitors features names such as Berliner Seilfabrik, Conica, Conradi & Kaiser, Condor Grass, Edel Grass, eibe, ESF Emsland, ESTC, Eurotramp, Grass Partner, Greenset, Holz-Speckmann, Huck Seiltechnik, ISS, Intercom, Kaiser & Kühne, KDF, Mailith, Polytan, Regupol, Richter Spielgeräte, Schmitz Foam, Sik Holz, smg, Sport & Leisure Group, Stockmeier, Tarkett Sports, Universal Sport, Vinci Group, WM technics and Zamboni.

“We’re delighted with the excellent response and the early registration of numerous international key players, which includes some who have increased the size of their booked exhibition area. This is an important signal and proof of the immense trust that FSB has earned within the industry,” says Bettina Frias, FSB’s director.

STRONG COOPERATION PARTNERS

LEND THEIR SUPPORT

FSB’s conceptual sponsor is IAKS, which will stage the 29th IAKS Congress this year. The leading international specialist congress for sports and leisure facilities will once again be hosted during FSB, providing the perfect opportunity to exchange expertise and network with sector professionals. Among other topics, the forthcoming edition of the congress will address issues such as how sports and leisure facilities contribute to health goals, social integration and reducing CO2 emissions as well as the energy transition in sports centres.

In the field of sports facilities and equipment, the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) and the EMEA Synthetic Turf Council (ESTC) will once again act as FSB’s content partners. The trade fair’s trusted cooperation partner for public spaces and play-

ground equipment is the German Federal Association of Manufacturers of Playground Equipment and Leisure Facilities (BSFH).

The STADTundRAUM themed area will also return to address topics in urban and neighbourhood planning, inclusion and landscape architecture. A firm fixture at the event for many years, this area will host workshops, conferences, the planerFORUM and a stunning special event on the latest concepts for urban planning and public spaces. To complete this section of the trade fair, a themed special event on inclusion will enable trade fair visitors to experience an inclusive parkour course in near real-world conditions.

FSB 2025 will once again feature the SPORTNETZWERK.FSB networking area, an initiative by Koelnmesse and the online cost calculator for sports facilities Sportstättenrechner. The area serves as a meeting place for decision makers from clubs, associations and local authorities, who gather with policymakers, stadium operators and leading companies from the sports facilities sector for stimulating discussions and networking. Alongside an attractive exhibition, the area will also directly address topics in local sports infrastructure and club sports.

#BETTERTOGETHER: BOULEVARD TO LINK THE CO - LOCATED EVENTS

The Boulevard on the trade fair grounds has also been incorporated into the plans for the trade fair duo of FSB and aquanale in 2025. Under the banner of Innovation & Sustainability, companies that have been awarded funding under the German Federal Government’s Young Innovators programme will appear at a group stand, accompanied by related themed and sponsored areas. This joint showcase will shed light on the latest innovations and industry topics, with a focus on the core fields for both trade fairs. www.fsb-cologne.com

CREATING HIGH-PERFORMING FACILITIES FOR AN ACTIVE FUTURE: SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT!

The 29th international IAKS Congress will take place from 28 to 31 October 2025 in Cologne, Germany. IAKS members and experts from all over the world are kindly invited to submit their ideas for presentations or round table discussions as part of the congress programme. This year's motto is "Creating high-performing facilities for an active future".

We can’t wait to hear your ideas and thoughts on these and more topics related to the this year’s motto: How can we make the transition to energy-efficient and fossil-free sports and leisure facilities? Environmental sustainability: What are the latest findings in reducing embodied carbon? Public value in sports facilities: Which factors play a decisive role in the social return on investment (SROI)? Looking at aging societies and inclusion: Which are the main factors with an impact on social integration?

Your submissions are kindly requested until 23 March 2025

Proposals or inquiries should be submitted to the IAKS Congress Secretariat at congress@iaks.sport

Please include:

• Contact information: Author(s): First name Last name, Company / Organization, Town, Country, Email address

• Title of Presentation

• Learning outcomes for delegates. Please provide a statement of the importance of the proposal.

• Overview of the presentation. The abstract text should not exceed 300 words. Use of tables, diagrams and pictures on this page itself is not suitable. Figures or tables can be submitted as an attachment in pdf format if necessary.

• Description or background of the presenter or round table participant. This text should provide supporting information regarding her/his specific expertise and qualifications. This description is limited to 200 words.

• Abstracts shall be submitted in English language only.

IOC IAKS ARCHITECTURE PRIZE LAUNCHED IN FEBRUARY 2025

Experts call it the ‘Oscar of the architecture industry’: the IOC IAKS Architecture Prize. You can look forward to the exciting competition for innovative and inspiring sports and leisure facilities from all over the world, which started in February.

From small grassroots sports facilities to stadiums for major events: all project proposals are welcome! Which sports and leisure facility do you know - or were even involved in its creation - that scores with these characteristics?

• sensible sustainability and public value,

• exemplary accessibility and universal design,

• strong functional planning and innovation,

• exceptional architectural design

In addition to the architecture competition for facilities that have already been realised, there will also be the ‘IOC IAKS 2025 Architecture and Design Award for Students and Young Professionals’, which honours innovative ideas, designs and concepts for sports, leisure and recreational facilities.

Entries can be submitted from February and the closing date is 30 April 2025. For more information please visit iaks.sport/en/architecture-prizes

©Richard Chivers

2025 IAKS EVENTS CALENDAR

Please check IAKS website for updates: iaks.sport/en/events-calendar

Photo: Victoria Page

MARCH

IAKS Nordic study trip 11 March - Gothenburg (SE) - English Organizer: IAKS Nordic

IAKS Germany seminar 'Outdoor facilities' 12-13 March - Berlin (DE) - German Organizer: IAKS Germany

APRIL

IAKS UK & Ireland spring event 'Active wellbeing in communities' 10-11 April - Cardiff, UK - English Organizer: IAKS UK & Ireland

MAY

IAKS Management conference 'Ice rinks' 19-21 May, Munich - German Organizer: IAKS

JUNE

IAKS Germany 'Refrigeration plant' seminars 02-25 June 2025 different locations - German Organizer: IAKS Germany

IAKS Germany seminar 'Pools' 25-26 June - German Organizer: IAKS Germany

OCTOBER

IOC IAKS architecture prizes ceremony 28 October - Cologne (DE) - English Organizer: IAKS International

IAKS Congress with trade fair duo FSB/aquanale 28-31 October - Cologne (DE)English/German Organizer: IAKS International

NEW TO THE IAKS NETWORK

SARAH NOBLE

BELLBRAE (AUSTRALIA)

Sarah Noble is Strategic Partnerships and Major Projects Lead at Wyndham City Council and Founder of The Active Village Project with 25 years’ experience in growth corridor local government, not for profit, commercial leisure & sport and professional & voluntary recreation clubs. She has led over 20 Master Plans and AUD 530 million worth of public infrastructure projects; and delivered policy reform and frameworks to enable communities’ greater access to their public infrastructure. Sarah is currently working with Wyndham City in partnership with WMG Holdings to deliver the Wyndham A League Sporting Centre of Excellence and Lifestyle Precinct the home of Western United FC.

MICHAEL HANRATTY CRONULLA (AUSTRALIA)

Michael Hanratty is Sport and Community Partnerships Manager at Bankstown Sports Club. The club and its affiliated venues support 37 sporting organisations across 17 sporting codes. This support comes in the form of administration support to assist volunteers in running their clubs effectively, financial and marketing support.

In the sport infrastructure space, Michael advocates for the clubs to local, state and federal representatives to ensure the club’s facilities are practical, safe and meet the needs of their members. He also assists in writing grant submissions for State and Federal Infrastructure grants for facility upgrades.

INCLUSIVE DESIGN DAY - IAKS WEBINAR INCLUSIVE DESIGN

Please check IAKS website for updates: iaks.sport/en/event/iaks-webinar-series-2025

IAKS WEBINAR SERIES - THE IDEA

We are excited to announce a series of webinars dedicated to addressing the most pressing developments in the world of sports and leisure facilities. Over the coming months, we will be exploring key themes like Sustainability, Inclusive Design, and Innovation with the help of top experts from the IAKS network.

These webinars will not only provide insights into the latest trends, challenges, and solutions shaping the future of sports and leisure spaces, but also lay the groundwork for the 2025 IAKS Congress in Cologne - a premier event held every two years, where you will have the opportunity to connect in person with our speakers and network with other professionals in the industry.

NEXT IAKS WEBINAR SERIES ON INCLUSIVE DESIGN IS ABOUT TO START!

Building on the success of our IAKS webinar series launch on Sustainability, we are excited to continue this momentum in March with a new focus: Inclusive Design.

Kicking off on March 7, 2025 (09:00 - 12:00 CET), the cross-sports facility Webinar Day on Inclusive Design will provide a broad overview of inclusive design in sports and leisure facilities.

Following this, a series of interactive follow-up webinars will explore the topic in greater depth, tailored to specific types of sports and leisure facilities.

Mark your calendars for this free online event AND advance the conversation on creating accessible and inclusive spaces for all!

GET THE RECORDINGS OF THE INTERACTIVE IAKS FOLLOW- UP WEBINARS!

The IAKS is proud to offer a unique asset within the sports and leisure facilities industry - a dynamic network of experts and visionaries committed to shaping the future of this field. Our goal is to share this invaluable knowledge not only with our members but also with the wider public, enhancing sports and leisure facilities for all.

These session recordings are available free of charge for IAKS members. Contact us for more details, and we will gladly provide you with the link to the session(s) you’re interested in.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders and fuel your passion for creating more sustainable, inclusive and innovative sports and leisure facilities.

NEW TO THE IAKS NETWORK

BARZFLEX

SPARBACH

(AUSTRIA)

As an expert in sports and exercise concepts, Barzflex GmbH develops, produces and distributes indoor and outdoor sports facilities for general fitness, calisthenics, motor skills, ninja sports and more. With numerous successfully realised projects for communities, schools, clubs and private users, Barzflex aims to encourage people - regardless of age or fitness level - to take part in sport and exercise, setting new standards in quality, individuality and sustainability.

Barzflex works closely with sports physicians and exercise experts to ensure that the facilities are not only visually and functionally appealing, but also sustainable and beneficial to health.

www.barzflex.com

CENTO DESIGN & PRODUCTION VIENNA (AUSTRIA)

The family business was founded 40 years ago and is based in the heart of Vienna.

The company is a full-service provider for stadiums and arenas (as well as hotels, catering, seminars and offices + 24/7 control rooms). Cento Design offers the possibility of specific product developments including prototype construction as well as customised production of all areas from public, business, home, guest, press, players‘ benches, players’ tunnels, cabins, hospitality and skyboxes to reclining seats and standing/seating solutions - as recently manufactured and installed on site for the SAP Garden in Munich.

BÄDERBETRIEB LÜDENSCHEID LÜDENSCHEID (GERMANY )

Bäderbetrieb Lüdenscheid GmbH operates the Nattenberg family pool, which also includes the sauna village in the immediate vicinity. The family pool offers a year-round programme for swimmers of all ages. A 25-m swimming pool with a foil roof and sliding side walls offers ideal conditions for lane swimming. There is also a non-swimmers' pool with a depth of 1.20 m and a 70-m slide for extra fun. A saltwater pool and separate men's and women's saunas with indoor and outdoor rest and relaxation areas provide relaxation. In summer, the outdoor pool surrounded by greenery offers plenty of sunbathing space and a diving pool, a toddler pool with a slide, beach sports areas and a large sandpit - everything you need for a perfect summer's day.

www.familienbad-nattenberg.de

UKTY RIIHIMÄKI (FINLAND)

UKTY (Uimahalli – ja kylpylätekninen yhdistys ry) is the Technical Association for Swimming Pools and Spas in Finland. The purpose of the association is to develop and maintain the operational and technical level of Finnish swimming halls and spas. UKTY operates as a discussion forum. Main activities include:

• organisation of training events, study and fair trips;

• preparation of guidelines and recommendations;

• research;

• publication of operational information concerning the sector issues statements;

• cooperation with other influencing entities of sector;

• organisation of feedback events at new-built and renovated sites.

www.cento-design.at

www.ukty.fi

BARR + WRAY GLASGOW (UK )

With almost 60 years’ experience, Barr + Wray are recognised as world class designers and suppliers of pools, thermal cabins and aquatic equipment. Their services range from technical engineering, design of pool + spa items such as filtration water treatment systems, water features, wave machines, stainlesssteel massage features, to bespoke thermal cabins such as saunas, steam rooms, ice fountain, snow cabins and hammams.

Barr + Wray are a truly global company. With their head office in the UK and supporting office in Dubai, they are easily able to support clients anywhere in the world, from design, through install, commissioning and servicing.

www.barrandwray.com

WITTY DINKELSCHERBEN (GERMANY )

Witty GmbH & Co. KG has been active in the field of hygiene solutions for over 75 years.

The company delivers complete solutions comprising chemicals, technology and services for the swimming pool, housekeeping & catering and hotel sectors. Its advanced metering technology combined with digital solutions and top-quality service make Witty a hidden champion in the professional swimming pool sector, the company claims.

Witty sees values not just as buzzwords, but as a compass for entrepreneurial action. With its claim of 'close, sustainable and innovative', Witty and its sales representatives ensure local customer proximity and has been climate-neutral since 2021.

www.witty.eu

HOME FOR SPORT IN ALL ITS FACETS, INCLUDING ESPORTS

SAP GARDEN ARENA IN MUNICH

Authors: Katherine Allen, Thomas Aschengreen

Photos: Rasmus Hjortshøj

The sports arena is the new home of ice hockey team EHC Red Bull Munich and basketball team Bayern Munich while three additional underground ice rinks serve as training and public facilities. The bowl can gather up to 10,796 spectators for ice hockey and 11,500 for basketball. Beyond the sports facilities, the arena offers three levels of VIP areas, merchandise shops, a large restaurant, a gaming room, offices and conference rooms, a parking garage and a rooftop terrace.

OFFICIAL OPENING 2024

Location Munich, Germany

Client / Operator Red Bull Stadion GmbH München

Architects 3XN, www.3xn.com

Maximum capacity 11,500 spectators

Dasher boards and ice resurfacers Engo GmbH

Built on the site of the former Olympic Velodrome and with Frei Otto and Günter Behnisch’s iconic Olympic Stadium as its neighbour, the new SAP Garden arena is informed by the legacy of its location and surroundings. The 62,500m² arena project was designed by 3XN in collaboration with CL MAP and landscape architects Latz + Partner for client Red Bull. The project echoes the same democratic ideals as its historic surroundings, uniting sports and local community in a state-of-the-art sports arena.

MELTING INTO ITS HISTORIC CONTEXT

Adding a new structure into Behnisch & Partner’s protected Olympic Park landscape posed a complex design challenge: how to respect the integrity of the park while also accommodating the significant spatial needs of the world class sport facility? To solve this, the design team concealed the arena’s three additional ice rinks underneath an artificial hill that organically continues the park’s existing pathways and landscape design. The arena itself is oval-shaped and asymmetrical in both its height and shape, forming an organic appearance which together with a green roof lets the building melt into the park and the cityscape.

The Olympic Park is both in its architecture and landscape designed around the human scale. The sports facilities are nestled in the green terrain which rolls and undulates around the now iconic structures. SAP Garden was designed with careful consideration for these existing characteristics to both preserve and also add a new element to the uniquely harmonious relationship between the buildings and the park.

The arena’s facade is dynamic and welcoming with vertical pilaster strips that swing upwards and accentuate the glass-panelled entrances. Each of the 260 pilaster strips are unique in their geometry with the largest being over 18 m tall and weighing one ton. This gives the building a dynamic facade expression – at the same time simple and complex.

PLACE FOR THE PUBLIC

SAP Garden was designed as a catalyst for activity –both on game days and ‘off days’. As a sports arena, it is a destination for the many with the ability to house ice hockey, basketball and a multitude of third-party events. On days with no official activities, it remains a place full of life. Beyond serving as training facilities for the professional players, the arena’s three additional ice rinks are built from the vision of improving the local sports infrastructure. All year round, the rinks are open for schools, clubs and the public to use, becoming a place that gathers and strengthens local grassroots sports.

Above ground, sports fans can browse the merchandise shops while the e-sport community gains a home with the ambitious Gaming Garden – the new gaming hotspot for southern Germany. A restaurant with both indoor and outdoor service lets life unfold between the internal and external spaces while the top of the arena with a rooftop terrace offers enjoyable views over the park and cityscape.

A UNIQUE, FULL SCOPE ARENA

DESIGN

Switching between an ice rink and a basketball court is a complicated matter as the two are different sizes. To accommodate this and ensure courtside seating for both sports, a unique stand-system has been developed. The existing stands can be shifted in height and slope while mobile stands are added for basketball games, placed on top of the covered rink, to create more seating.

3XN’s scope also includes the interior design where the use of digital media and light creates a flexible colour palette that can change the ambience of the arena in line with the branding or occasion. As such, the interior is centred around variety of atmospheres and identities. Areas and rooms are individual in their design which lets the users have unique experiences throughout the building. At the same time, all spaces have small design elements in common that tie the building together as a whole, creating an interior that is both cohesive and playful.

What are the design features that make your project a success?

3 QUESTIONS TO THE OPERATOR

OLIVER WESP

Managing Director, Red Bull Stadion München GmbH

The SAP Garden is specially designed for sports and sportsrelated events. We focused fully on creating the best possible sporting experience – for both athletes and spectators. We have an outstanding grandstand set-up, attach great importance to the entertainment factor and are equipped with state-of-theart technology, including the first real LED board in German ice hockey and a 360° edgeless video cube. In this way, we create a unique and unparalleled experience.

What is the impact of the SAP Garden on ice sports in Munich and what goals are you pursuing with the arena in terms of promoting ice sports, both recreational and competitive?

Grassroots sports use and the promotion of young talent are just as important in our considerations as professional sport. Our strategy combines competitive and recreational sports on a single site and provides three areas exclusively for all ice sports disciplines. Public skating is available every day from morning to evening, so that families with children can go on the ice at

any time. We can also promote school sports. I am talking here about ice hockey in particular and thus about one of Red Bull's central ideas, i.e. that of bringing people to the sport, nurturing young talent at an early stage, spotting talent and letting it grow with us – ideally all the way to the professional team and even to the NHL.

What is your vision for the future?

Our vision is for a multifaceted sports arena with a wide-ranging sports programme – including gaming and e-sports for the younger generation, for whom we even have our own publicly accessible gaming room. In March 2025, we will be hosting the Beckenbauer Cup, which features such world-class clubs as Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and AC Milan. The 2027 Handball World Cup is a major event that we are already very much looking forward to. And we are thinking much further ahead. You can see from the Allianz Arena that anything is possible, right down to a regular league game in an American sport. Our vision also extends to perhaps one day hosting the Olympic Games in Munich again. But on the way there, there are still plenty of European and World Championships.

DISTINCTIVE ARCHITECTURE

INTERLACING FITNESS AND NATURE

SAFRA CHOA CHU KANG CLUBHOUSE IN SINGAPORE

SAFRA Choa Chu Kang Clubhouse (SAFRA@CCK) is envisioned as a one-stop weekend hangout for SAFRA members and their families. Representing the exuberance and vivacity of nature within the surrounding neighbourhood, the building seeks to harmonize with the park through complementary design, injecting new life into existing park activities. SAFRA@CCK offers multiple avenues for sports and fitness activities under its roof, such as a 6-lane Olympic lap pool, a gym on the highest elevation that affords views of the surrounding greenery, and a Wellness Street comprising of naturally ventilated green assemblage of wellness facilities that have multipurpose functions. The facility was designed by DP Architects in collaboration with its specialist arms DP Engineers (Structure), DP Green and DP Sustainable Design.

Chu Kang,

Author: DP Architects Photos: DP Architects

The architecture of SAFRA@CCK expresses itself with exuberant, distinctive forms that recall and inspire fitness –from bold super-scaled trusses to the precast pigmented concrete bulwark frontage symbolizing unity and strength. Yet beneath its robust exterior, it hosts a dynamic community of nature and people, flowing in through a central spine from the park. The result is a seamless interlace of nature and fitness that reinvigorates the neighbourhood and revives the community spirit.

From inception, the arrangement of massing and programs is guided not only by internal logic concerning hierarchy and purpose but also by external factors such as visual accessibility and spatial interconnection. The location of the clubhouse within a park is capitalized upon as its design philosophy focused on creating porous public spaces that seamlessly integrate the surrounding greenery into the architectural fabric. This intentional orientation of the architecture towards the park draws in nature and activities from the surroundings, creating a verdant central courtyard that brings the outdoors inside.

CREATING A SYMPHONIC ‘GREEN EXPERIENCE’

T he design seamlessly integrates the clubhouse with the park, expressed through the strategic location of planters along the building periphery. Informed through computational fluid dynamics, the planters are designed to simultaneously mitigate wind-driven rain along the weather-exposed pathways and harness rainwater for irrigation to minimise water consumption. The incorporation of greenery also alleviates the urban heat island effect.

The rich biophilia found throughout SAFRA@CCK creates proximity to nature that is not often found in urban settings. Creatively interwoven with the clubhouse’s comprehensive

suite of amenities, recreational spaces and communal gardens, nature works in synergy to bring people together and foster a strong sense of community while promoting physical and mental wellbeing. A natural barrier blocks noise from the expressway to contain the peace within the park and clubhouse, providing a distraction-free environment. This confluence of nature, community and wellbeing is expressed through the design of sustainable, fitness-inspiring spaces, epitomised in the distinctive elevated swimming pool and futsal court.

To further enhance porosity, the swimming pool is elevated into the tree canopies, freeing up the ground story for connections to the park. This not only provides stunning aerial views of the park but also extends the pool to seamlessly blend into the foliage.

WELLBEING ACROSS

DIFFERENT REALMS

Adjacent to the courtyard, the ‘Steps of Life’ feature staircase serves as the vertical locus of the development, binding not just the fitness facilities within the clubhouse together but also linking the park’s running route to the building’s sky-running track

at the fourth story. Embodying active mobility, it invites visitors to climb its 100 steps, defying the conventional notion that fitness and parks are relegated to ground level. It embraces wellbeing across different realms – public and private, horizontally and vertically – and infuses the clubhouse with a distinctive aura of vigor and zeal.

GREEN PLOT RATIO OF 3.6

High-volume spaces within the clubhouse are positioned along the extended arms of the building to maximize natural light and cross-ventilation. In air-conditioned spaces, high-performance double-glazed glass is used to reduce heat transfer, leading to significant energy savings.

Besides passive design strategies, SAFRA@CCK also optimizes energy consumption through green technology and sustainable construction. It boasts a high-efficiency water-cooled chiller plant, rainwater harvesting with 100% smart auto-irrigation landscapes, rooftop photovoltaic panels, and energy-efficient lighting systems.

During construction, green concrete and recycled steel were also used, reducing carbon emissions per gross floor area by 23%.

With an overall energy savings of 42.7%, totalling 1,890 MWh, the project was awarded the Green Mark Platinum – Super Low Energy certification by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority. This recognition reflects the clubhouse's commitment to harmonizing with nature and underscores its role as a mindful and sustainable space, prioritizing the well-being of occupants in every facet of its design and functionality.

SENSE OF OPENNESS

VELODROME SPORTS COMPLEX IN HEUSDEN-ZOLDER

Author: dbv architecten

Photos: dbv architecten, B-architecten

‘Sport Vlaanderen Heusden-Zolder Velodroom Limburg’, the official name of the sports complex, is one of the only three indoor cycling tracks in Flanders, and was conceived around the dream of former cycling champion Marc Wauters to bring the World Cycling Championships to Limburg. The sloping terrain, first challenging, was made use of to incorporate part of the building into the slope.

OFFICIAL OPENING OCTOBER 2023

Location Heusden-Zolder, Belgium

Client / Operator

VZW Sportcomplex Vlaanderen/Heusden-Zolder

Architects

dbv architecten, www.dbv-architecten.be B-architecten, www.b-architecten.be

Construction costs

EUR 23.1 million

The accommodation contains more than just a UCI class 1 cycling track of 250 m length with 1,000 fixed seats and 1,000 additional mobile seats. There is also a gym of 1,000 m², four multi-sports fields, a fitness room, exercise lab, catering business, medical centre and all associated facilities such as a bicycle repair shop, bicycle rental, sports sheds, changing rooms, and meeting rooms. The indoor court is provided for basketball, indoor football, handball, volleyball and badminton. The site is located on the cycling junction network and walking routes through the forests of Bolderberg. Together with the Circuit

Zolder, it forms a cluster for all kinds of cycling and motorized sports (e.g. BMX, MTB, rally, GP).

The design is based on concentric shells around the 3D-modeled velotrack. Each of the shells is filled with different programme components. At the places where interaction with the environment is desired, e.g. at the entrance, the terraces at the catering area and the fitness zone, modular facade panels are provided with glazing. This creates an interaction between the surrounding forests, the Circuit Zolder and the experience inside the building.

A LOGICAL INTEGRATION IN

DENSE ENVIRONMENT

D ue to the narrow trapezoidal shape of the site, wedged in a corner of the site of the Circuit Zolder, it was not easy to incorporate the large surface area and fixed proportions of a covered cycling track and the desired peripheral programming on top of that. The topography of the terrain is also steeply sloping. This situation and the correct positioning of the necessary connections for logistical and medical access, in addition to the separate accesses for athletes and the general public, made the design a real feat. For example, the sloping terrain was made use of to incorporate part of the building into the slope.

LOW-MAINTENANCE AND SUSTAINABLE MATERIALISATION

T he 2,750 m² of facade elements were prefabricated in a circular manner. Dry connections between the different layers of the sandwich panels make it possible to dismantle and reuse the panels after fulfilling their function.

Concrete prefabricated columns with a truss construction for the roof offer the opportunity to easily reconfigure the building if necessary. The steel roof construction can be dismantled and reused after the life of the building.

The majority of the materials used have a good NIBE classification or a European Ecolabel such as FSC/PEFC (wood), C2C, Dubo-keur or Nature Plus. Instead of working with classic sloping roofs (with a linear progression), the roof shape is adjusted to a parabolic progression. This results in a material saving of 24% compared to a classic sloping roof.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT BUILDING WITH MULTIFUNCTIONAL USABILITY

The velodrome sports complex must be usable by both amateur and top athletes, recreational users, visitors, logistics and administrative staff, and medical staff. Scenarios for each type of user led to a plan structure that allows for multiple use and separate circulation flows. Establishing the correct positions of both entrances and vertical circulation, supported by technology to modulate access control, was crucial to achieve an efficient, userfriendly and multi-purpose building.

The sports complex is an energy-efficient building, which on the one hand provides ample renewable energy, and on the other hand energy-efficient installations and appliances.

The compactness of the building, the stacking of all functions under one roof, a high-performance building shell with high air tightness contribute to this, as do the photovoltaic solar panels on the roof and a comprehensive building management system that continuously monitors energy consumption.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT DESIGN WITH MAJOR POSITIVE IMPACT ON RECURRING OPERATING COSTS

A high-performance building shell with high air tightness and low insulation values ensures a low energy requirement. The design team doubled the share of renewable energy compared to what the EU's directive on Energy Performance of Buildings requires, to 41.5 kWh/m²/year. Photovoltaic solar panels with a total capacity of 319 kWp make a significant contribution. Technical measures to further reduce operating costs include:

• all LED lighting fixtures

• motion detection in storage areas, sanitary facilities and circulation zones

• presence detection in offices, refectory, workshops, reception desk, doping control and entrance

• cascade condensing boilers with high efficiency

• temperature sensors in rooms and ductwork limit energy consumption

• meters monitor energy consumption

ATTENTION TO VENTILATION

In order to be homologated by the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) as an indoor cycling track ‘UCI class 1’, particularly strict preconditions must be met. One of these is a rigid control of draughts and unwanted air movements, in order to be able to perform a correct time registration in official competitions. A real challenge to reconcile indoor air quality with thermal comfort in summer and winter.

Sufficient air renewal is ensured by increasing the ventilation flow rates in work areas (40m³/h per person). In addition, there is continuous monitoring by CO sensors, which instruct the installation to only ventilate when and where necessary.

INTEGRAL ACCESSIBILITY

T he sports complex offers various possibilities for para-sports and is therefore designed even more strictly than the principles of integral accessibility. These include both physical and communicative accessibility. The design was submitted to Inter, the accessibility agency of Flanders. The chain of accessibility in the sports complex from the outside environment to the use of the building by the various target groups was discussed.

A few specific measures:

• Free places are provided for wheelchair users on the grandstand plateau. They can follow the activities on the track and the central square all around.

• There is a direct view of the central square and the cycling track from the cafeteria. A parapet made of transparent material is provided above the closed boarding of the cycling track.

• Communication: information is conveyed as much as possible visually, tactilely or audibly. Thanks to a multimedia framework, important information is announced during a competition and simultaneously shown on video screens. Visual alarms to alert the visually impaired or deaf.

NÎMES SPORTS HALL WEARING BLUE JEANS

LUDIVINE FURNON SPORTS HALL IN NÎMES

Author: Oliver Kilian

Photos: Camille Gharbi, Drone OPS

The design by Ateliers A+ for the sports hall in Nîmes takes the environment and humans into account, born from an urban reflection combined with a bioclimatic approach involving 2500 m² of panels covered in the membrane. French artist Alain Clément developed the design for the facade and was inspired by the city’s textile history.

OFFICIAL OPENING SEPTEMBER 2024

Location Nîmes, France

Client / Operator

City of Nîmes, Solutions Conseils / CBE

Architects

Ateliers A+, www.ateliers-aplus.com

Facade artist

Alain Clément

Construction costs

EUR 15 Million

The new sports hall, a project which is emblematic, sustainable and well-integrated into the site, accommodates all spatial requirements linked to each sport under one banner. Ateliers A+ wished to carry out a clear project with simple operations and evident access, with the ambition of creating a place of community, friendliness and integration from this new public equipment.

The sports complex features eleven disciplines in five halls (fencing, combat, omnisport, artistic gymnastics, rhythmic and sports gymnastics, climbing), with a reception/exhibition room,

a vast entrance hall, shared facilities (medical, ETAPS instructor team, laundry, meeting room) and a terrace.

The omnisport room and its 15-m high climbing wall serves sporting activities for schools and clubs, including handball, basketball and volleyball competitions. The artistic gymnastics room offers a surface area of 1,400 m² and the rhythmic gymnastics room a total of 700 m² and 482 spaces of seats. 14 fencing pistes are available in the weapon’s room/fencing on 700 m² surface area. The fighting room/dojo is home for sporting activities such as fighting, judo, and karate.

INSPIRED BY THE CITY’S RICH TEXTILE HISTORY

The style is organic and gentle and gives structure to the public space. The design is inventive, it is inspired by Nîmes’s rich textile history. The name of the denim fabric is derived from de Nîmes ‘from Nîmes’. The harmonisation of volumes and the use of the curve on the facade in the image of a sheet of fabric is not random. Beyond the guiding lines and rectangular shapes

of the site plan, the curve naturally directs and invites users to enter the building. Here and there, the folds of the fabric reveal vegetation which brings lightness and forms a protection. The architecture is strongly contemporary, the volumes worked on to flee the building’s functional expression in favour of the symbolic act, a strong signature for a recognised sporty complex. This modernity values both the city and athletes, it presents and gives you desire.

TAKING THE BUILDING’S ENVIRONMENT INTO ACCOUNT

The establishment and organisation of the complex are the result of an urban reflection combined with a bioclimatic approach. All indoor spaces are marked by the omnipresence of the wood. With a mesh structure, a crossed solid beam structure, a false ceiling, acoustic wall facing and interior joinery. The wood warms the indoor atmosphere and displays the construction’s low carbon commitment in a strong visual symbol. The energy strategy occurs underground with the geothermal installation

under the building, on the roof with the photovoltaic installation and in the plant rooms, is discretely integrated into the facades with its openings which authorise the nocturnal hyperventilation and is also demonstrated with the smart juxtaposition of materials with strong thermal inertia at ground level.

At the end of the competition, when night falls, the hall celebrates the victory of sport. At night, its fabric lights up like a constellation. A luminous fabric sail, a sky lantern, a magical vessel with inflated glittering sails at night, this architecture is a party which lasts.

BUILDING ENVELOPE: FACETED CURVES

O riginally, the double skin enveloping the project was designed in perforated aluminium panels to obtain a ‘weaving’ visual, echoing the textile history of the city, which from the 16th century saw the birth of the denim canvas, then the creation of the famous Jeans. The drawing revealed a facade which comes to life, moves away, comes closer, undulates, opens a little to reveal the vegetation before flying above the terrace.

During the studies phase, the work of reflection on the material of the building envelope, capable of reproducing as faithfully as possible the curves on the facade, continued, leading to the choice of the printed canvas. A flexible material, easier to work with, allowing optimal rendering and the reproduction of faceted curves as desired. A support opening up an infinite field of possibilities in terms of shapes but also creativity. The desire to bring a strong identity to this equipment, a signature specific to the city, recognizable by all, led to propose the original creation of a tailor-made work. A continuous design that would develop across all the facades, bringing strength and unity to the project.

ARTIST ALAIN CLÉMENT

ABOUT HIS DESIGN APPROACH:

“No more right angle geometric rigours or standard buildings. We have gone from the geometric rigour and its aporias to the unbridled fantasy of the arabesque and its transgressive surprises. Getting away from the flat wall design and making it 3D was a challenge for me.

It was countless sketches, models of all scales, printing effects, tests to find the strength of the opaque and transparent printed colours on the mesh, human-size paintbrush movements made 20 times bigger, with their dynamic crossing 190 vertical panels all at once, each one 10 m high.

The symbol of a large sail stretched to the winds in just one movement and carrying away the building was necessary. Wide and dancing Nîmes blue drawings, fast and direct black drawings and adjusted grey backgrounds to link and make the whole thing pulsate in your eyes.”

Home / access: 300 m²

Multipurpose room: 900 m²

Shared premises: 220 m²

Fencing: 700 m²

Fighting 340 m²

Artistic gymnastics: 1400 m²

Rhytmic gymnastics: 700 m² + 482 spaces

Multipurpose sports hall: 1100 m² + 210 spaces

Logistics: 200 m²

MOVEMENT LABORATORY FOR IMAGINATION AND CURIOSITY

MODERNIZATION OF THE OLD GYM HALL AT SKOLEN VED SØERNE IN FREDERIKSBERG

Authors: DIF (Danmarks Idrætsforbund) www.dif.dk, NERD architects – www.nerdarchitects.dk ArkitekturLab – www.arkitekturlab.dk, Frederiksberg Kommune – www.frederiksberg.dk

Photos: Tao Ahler

Frederiksberg has gained a modern sports facility at Skolen ved Søerne (The School by the Lakes) – a valuable addition in a densely populated municipality where space for leisure activities is in high demand. The gymnasium has been transformed to better accommodate teaching, recreation, and after-school programmes during the day, while also serving as an attractive meeting place for local sports clubs in the afternoons and evenings. Owned by Frederiksberg Municipality, the project was designed by NERD architects, Matters, and ArkitekturLab.

OFFICIAL OPENING 2024

Location Frederiksberg, Denmark

Client / Operator Frederiksberg Kommune

Architects NERD, www.nerdarchitects.dk Matters, www.mttrs.dk ArkitekturLab, www.arkitekturlab.dk

Project manager Thea Christine Høeg

Specialist in learning environments Kasper Kjeldgaard Stoltz

Total project costs

DKK 3.5 million (EUR 464,000)

The transformation is part of the initiative ‘Old Sports Halls – New Opportunities’ by DIF (The Danish Sports Confederation), Dansk Skoleidræt (Danish school sports), and LOA fonden (The Danish Foundation for Culture and Sports Facilities). The classic old gymnasiums are Denmark's most widespread indoor sports facility, but they were designed in a different time, and many of them are worn out and do not have the features needed today. The campaign was launched in 2020, and it aims to improve the quality of gymnastic halls in public schools across the country. The initiative also focuses on promoting a cultural shift in the use of gym halls, emphasizing sustainability, capacity utilization, and connections between school and leisure activities.

A MODERN HALL IN

A HISTORIC BUILDING

T he modernization of Skolen ved Søerne has preserved the hall's traditional features while introducing entirely new possibilities for use both during and after school hours. The architectural enhancements include:

• The introduction of permanent motor skills elements that provide engaging and age-appropriate opportunities for gymnastics with younger children.

• The recreation of the old balcony, allowing parents to be present in the hall to watch their children’s gymnastics instead of waiting in a dull changing room.

• A mirror wall, offering improved opportunities for dance, martial arts, and gymnastics.

• A backroom with equipment such as punching bags and a climbing wall.

The old gymnasium was transformed into a movement laboratory, with one side featuring a unique built-in structure that appeals to the children’s motor skills, called the ‘wave track ‘. It is one part of a track that runs along the periphery of the room with different types of activities distributed along its course. The

track provides different obstacles, challenges and invitations to explore. It can be used in its default setting, unfolded by adding elements or equipment, and divided into stations for e.g. technique training or motor skills training. In this way the space can be adapted to different ages, levels and activities.

In an adjacent smaller room, a climbing corner and other elements for small groups are established. The original balcony in the gymnasium was reopened and serves as a link between activities in the gymnasium and the new adjacent room – fostering a flow of activities where children can explore and be challenged. Here, the joy of movement and play provides an opportunity for the development and stimulation of both physical and social skills in a setting that speaks to the children's creativity and curiosity.

Two entrances lead from the schoolyard to the gymnasium. To raise awareness of the possibility for different kinds of movement inside and outside the building, a part of the project has been opened to extend the ‘wave track ‘. It leads from the inside to the outside into the schoolyard between the two entrance doors. Along the outdoor ‘wave track ‘ one can ‘jump the alphabet ‘ and play number sequences.

EIGHT SPATIAL ZONES

The project works with eight spatial zones, each with their own quality. The zones are placed and designed in such a way that they can be used together or individually. They are based on different spatial needs and were developed in collaboration with the school’s staff, in order to ensure that the space supports the students’ different preferences and individual needs.

Due to fixed elements and integrated storage solutions the space can easily be transformed, creating the framework which teachers, educators, and instructors for both teaching, sports, and play.

METHOD AND DESIGN PROCESS

The movement laboratory at Skolen ved Søerne was shaped through a thorough user involvement process that engaged students, teachers, local associations, the municipality, and neighbours. A series of workshops and meetings allowed users to share ideas, provide feedback, and shape the design, ensuring it met diverse needs and activities.

A significant challenge was creating a space that could accommodate users of different age groups, skill levels, and interests, while maintaining a high degree of flexibility. To address this, the design teams worked with different spatial qualities and defined distinct zones, as well as a high degree of flexibility. These zones were carefully arranged to function both independently and as part of a cohesive whole, enabling the space to adapt to various uses.

Equally important was fostering collaboration among the school, local organizations, and the municipality. This partnership was developed alongside the design process to ensure that the new space would be well integrated into the community and remain sustainable in the long term. The result is a movement laboratory that not only meets the physical and educational needs of the school but also acts as a welcoming and inspiring facility for the broader community.

3 QUESTIONS TO THE OPERATOR

P ETER JUL LANGE

Special Consultant Building, Culture and Environment, Frederiksberg Kommune

As project owner, what are the success factors of the project from your point of view?

The project was driven by a desire to strengthen the collaboration between the school, the sports clubs, and the municipality, as well as a desire to try new things and organize the facility in a different way. Main goals for the gymnasium included:

1. transformation into a laboratory for sports and other kinds of activities

2. create enhanced synergy or opportunities between indoor and outdoor activities

3. after-school hours: invite citizens for activities and recreation, where innovative solutions were developed for the benefit of all

4. support the school's teachers in developing new didactic tools and inspire new teaching methods in subjects other than physical education

5. encourage more citizens in Frederiksberg to become physically active and be an attractive and natural meeting place for busy city dwellers

6. reach target groups who are familiar with the school but would not naturally engage with the association life

In addition to the goals above, we hope that the project can serve as an inspiration for the modernization of other gymnasiums, both in Frederiksberg Municipality and elsewhere.

What were the challenges that you encountered during the modernization?

We listened to the needs and requests from different user groups, which naturally led to varying opinions on what the gymnasium should include. For example, how the ‘court markings‘ or other graphics on the floor should be, the need for storage, etc. Therefore, one of the challenges has been making decisions and prioritizing in a way that best satisfies the different user groups.

Inspirations-/ referencebilleder

When you work on renovation and modernization of an old building, unforeseen issues arise that require changes to the project. For instance, we had to work around heating pipes and reinforce the railing on the new balcony. Some of the innovative elements such as the hanging swing bars and punching bags requested subsequent reinforcements.

A series of workshops and meetings allowed users to share ideas, provide feedback, and shape the design. What were their needs and requests?

The school management wanted a modernization of the gymnasium with new elements and didactic tools, but also to address issues with acoustics and heating, as well as a modernization of the changing rooms. Like many other places, the school and sports clubs face challenges, particularly with children not changing or showering, mainly due to unappealing and unhygienic changing rooms.

The sports clubs’ interest was that the elements of the facility would motivate for sports and physical activity, that instructors would not have to spend much time carrying equipment back and forth, and that there would be adequate storage space adjacent to the gymnasium. Therefore, the ‘wave track ‘ includes elements that are easy to use, where, for example the gymnastics club would normally spend time transporting equipment. Every possible space was designed to offer storage options, such as under the stairs leading to the balcony.

Overall, we believe we have done a good job of meeting these needs and requests, to the great satisfaction of the school and the sports clubs. However, we must admit that there is space for improvement in getting the locals to use the gymnasium on an ad-hoc basis.

Frontplader, "Bølgen":

Faceplates, “The Wave”

Rampe med tværlister

Ramp with crossbars

Felt med vandret kravlenet

Field with horizontal crawl net

Ny bevægelsesbane

NEW MOVEMENT PATH

Ramp with crossbars

Rampe med tværlister

(Endelig bredde af ny bevægelsesbane tilpasses på stedet)

Rampe med klatresten

Ramp with climbing stones

Balancebom / kravlenet

(Endelig bredde af ny bevægelsesbane tilpasses på stedet)

Rampe med tværlister

Balance beam / crawl net

Balancebom / kravlenet

Bevægelige skumklodser fastgjort med velcro

Rampe med tværlister

Ramp with crossbars

Bevægelige skumklodser fastgjort med velcro

Movable foam blocks fixed with Velcro

TALL SPORTS PROGRAMS FLOODED BY LIGHT

CENTRE SPORTIF CLAUDE- BEAULIEU IN SAINT-JÉRÔME, QUEBEC

Author: Première équipe Architecture

Photos: David Boyer

The new Centre Sportif Claude-Beaulieu designed by Première équipe Architecture is instrumental in shaping the identity of Saint-Jérôme's recreational hub, a vibrant sports sector already comprising a hockey arena, outdoor football fields, a skatepark, playgrounds, and a splash pad. The complex expands the city’s programming with the addition of a national competition level 95 x 57 m indoor football field with multiple configurations (divisible into two or three smaller fields), a dedicated space for gymnastics, locker rooms, a café, observation spaces, a boutique, administration spaces, and a variety of multipurpose rooms.

OFFICIAL OPENING MARCH 2022

Location Saint-Jérôme, Québec, Canada

Client / Operator

City of Saint-Jérôme

Architects

équipe Architecture, www.premiereequipe.ca

Construction

BUILDING VOLUMES REVEALING THE SPORTS ACTIONS

Accessible by public transit, a bike path network, and within footsteps of the park trails of Lake Jérôme Nature Park, the complex is designed to meet the city's rapid demographic growth and an increasing interest in organised sports.

The disposition of the two large sports volumes on the narrow site is the main generator of the building's form. By placing the football volume at the southwestern extremity of the site, the sports action is revealed immediately upon one’s arrival to the site and more largely announces the entry to the recreational hub

by engaging the street with a fully glazed base at sidewalk level. In doing so, and in concert with the parking being largely hidden behind the building, the complex avoids replicating a more typical suburban configuration of a building of this scale.

Offset to the north of the soccer pitch, the gymnastics volume is also rotated to follow the orientation of the nearby hockey arena and is shifted east to conserve an existing grove of mature trees on the west edge of the site. The existing trees help to buffer the complex from the directly adjacent residential fabric and furthermore avoid disturbing the existing biodiversity present on the site. The public entry hall, multipurpose rooms, and observation area occupy the interstitial space between the two sports volumes.

A SENSE OF DEPTH

The simple volumes of the complex facilitate the understanding of the tall primary sports programs inside while creating an elegant interplay of light and shadow. The minimal white box of the gymnastics volume is an ideal canvas for the vibrant public artwork by artist Gwenaël Bélanger. Further, the choice of a smooth, metallic envelope of tall volume massing introduces a sense of depth that contrasts with the vertically textured masonry of the lower volume. This lower volume which houses the locker rooms, administration suite, and mechanical spaces provides a human and even tactile scale, complementing the pedestrian experience at the main building entrance. The masonry

facade, a stack bond of white concrete brick, uses slight changes in plane to generate subtle vertical shadow lines to further reduce the scale of the facade.

The verticality of the exterior facade is echoed on the interior with corrugated metal cladding of a singular volume which anchors the interstitial space between the two athletic spaces and signals the building reception desk upon entry. The interior of the athletic spaces remains white to maximize natural light diffusion and create a contrast with the public spaces which, inspired by the competition jerseys of soccer and gymnastics clubs, incorporate vibrant accent colors.

NATURAL DAYLIGHTING AS A PRIORITY

From the onset of the project, natural daylighting was a priority for all spaces. Normally dark spaces, the indoor sports programs benefit from high clerestory windows. This offers an enhanced experience for both athletes and spectators, all while reducing energy consumption associated with artificial lighting. Similarly, typically windowless, the locker rooms are provided with ample natural light through full height windows which further animate the facade. The building at large is heated by direct heating while the heating at the soccer pitch is via radiant ceiling panels.

The double-height glazed entrance hall features a warm wood-paneled ceiling that naturally draws visitors toward the

observation area on the upper floor. The observation area opens onto both halls,, the indoor pitch and the gymnastics gym and provides a panoramic view to the exterior fields, the outdoor grass play area, and the forest beyond.

The exceptional range, interconnectivity, and quality of amenities at the site have made it an ideal choice for the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes, who have chosen the complex as their home base for spring training over the next three seasons. The Centre Sportif Claude-Beaulieu injects fresh energy into an already thriving recreational hub, solidifying its place as the beating heart of community activity.

THE BALL MATCHES THE ROUND

MODERNISATION OF ROUND SPORTS HALLS IN VIENNA

Author: RAUM +

Photos: aphotography, Hertha Hurnaus, Romana Fürnkranz, Lukas Schaller

A significant reduction in energy consumption, an expansion of usage options and a reduction in resource consumption and the CO2 footprint: Three practical examples are used to demonstrate the overall concept of the comprehensive refurbishment of Vienna's circular sports halls one of which was the first sports building to be nominated for the State Prize for Architecture and Sustainability 2024.

2018 saw the owners of the five Vienna Round Sports Halls facing a difficult decision: The buildings were structurally outdated and no longer met the requirements for modern sports and school operations. The debate over whether to demolish or renovate them had been ongoing for some time.

Ultimately, in 2018, the City of Vienna decided on a comprehensive renovation and announced a European-wide compe -

OFFICIAL OPENING 2023

Location

Vienna, Austria

Client / Operator

City of Vienna - Sports Department

Client representative

WIP Wiener Infrastruktur Projekt GmbH

tition. The goal was not only to renovate a single hall, but to develop an overall concept for all six city-owned halls. The architectural studio RAUM + won the competition and worked together with the engineering firm RWT Plus ZT GmbH on the planning.

Today, the third fully re novated Round Sports Hall in Steinergasse in the 23rd district is in operation, while the last three halls are still under construction.

Architectural office

RAUM + / Raumkunst ZT GmbH, www.raumplus.studio

Specialist planning

Bauphysik - RWT Plus ZT GmbH

HVAC, electrical engineering - Woschitz Enigneering ZT GmbH

Execution planning - Veit Aschenbrenner Architekten ZT GmbH

IBO - Österreichisches Institut für Bauen und Ökologie

Construction costs

EUR 15 million

The renovation has been awarded the "Klima Aktiv Gold" certification by the Austrian Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation, and Technology, and has been nominated as the first sports building in Austria for the State Prize Architecture and Sustainability 2024. "A win for sports, the environment, and taxpayers," says RAUM +, the architectural studio in charge. The architects Christine Diethör

and Harald Fux impressed the jury in the competition primarily through their approach, which argued that a mere superficial insulation of the halls would not suffice, and the renovation costs would not be justified. Due to the structural, functional, and thermal deficiencies, a comprehensive renovation with added value was necessary. Only this could ensure a sustainable and future-proof investment.

THE ORIGINS OF THE ROUND SPORTS HALLS

In the 1960s and 1970s, the Round Sports Halls were developed as a winter-proof alternative to open sports fields. The concept originated from a German metal and bearing manufacturer and was implemented in several countries. In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, around 70 of these halls were built, mostly in urban peripheral areas. Their goal was to provide year-round training opportunities for sports clubs and lower-income communities. Six of these 24-sided sports halls with a 53-m diameter still exist in Vienna, five of which are owned by the City of Vienna.

The concept of the Round Sports Halls was always closely linked to the construction of schools. The locker rooms for athletes and the facility management rooms were placed on the access side of the school. Access to the hall was through this side, while the opposite segment housed the entrance hall with sanitary facilities for spectators and access to a grandstand seating up to 500 people. The Round Sports Halls, with their spectator stands, are also an important component of the organized sports scene in the city.

TECHNICAL DEFICIENCIES AND THE NEED FOR RENOVATION

Although the Round Sports Halls remain a significant part of the public sports offering, the years revealed several deficiencies that had not been considered during their construction. Philipp Köfer, Project Manager at Wiener Infrastruktur Projekt GmbH (WIP), explains: "The halls were built without regard to modern building physics and building technology. In summer, it was too hot, in winter it was too cold, and the acoustics were poor when multiple sports groups trained at the same time. The inwardly vaulted ceiling reduced the usable height for many ball sports."

The ‘Rundsporthalle Steigenteschgasse’ in Kagran, completed in 2022, served as the pilot project. In the first months of operation, the building was subject to extensive monitoring to gather insights for the further renovations. This knowledge gained from this monitoring directly influenced the planning of the halls at Steinergasse and Florian-Hedorfer-Straße, which have now also been successfully completed.

Steigenteschgasse Florian-Hedorfer-Straße

RUNDHALLE - Steigenteschgasse 1

RUNDHALLE - Steigenteschgasse 1

1220 Wien, Austria

1220 Wien, Austria

Architekt:

SCHNITTE

TECHNICAL INNOVATIONS AND SUSTAINABILITY

The foyer of the halls, with its counter desk and terrazzo tiling, as well as the staircases leading to the grandstands, were preserved in their original form. In contrast, the sports hall and the gymnasium on the first floor have now been redesigned with new colours and modern materials – new flooring, improved acoustic cladding, and completely renewed sports furniture in the CI colour dark blue.

However, the most significant technical change concerns the energy renovation: The existing reinforced concrete skeleton has been enclosed in a three-layer aluminum facade with internal

thermal insulation. The overlapping segments of the rings now house a ventilation system with natural air supply and exhaust. Additionally, the roof was equipped with radiant heating and circular skylights to optimize heating in the winter months.

The multi-year renovation initiative of the Vienna Round Sports Halls represents an important contribution to the sustainable development of the city. In addition to energy efficiency and significant cost savings, the project also impresses with innovative planning processes and a comprehensive modernization of the sports facilities. With the completion of the last two halls, another milestone will be reached – a sporting success that simultaneously takes ecological responsibility.

RUNDHALLE - Steigenteschgasse 1 1220 Wien, Austria

Architekt: RAUMKUNST ZT GmbH

RUNDHALLE - Steigenteschgasse 1

Wien, Austria

RAUMKUNST ZT GmbH

Ground level

1. Sports hall

2. Foyer

3. Equipment room

4. Restrooms

5. Changing rooms

6. Technical room

RUNDHALLE - Steigenteschgasse 1

1220 Wien, Austria

Architekt:

ZT GmbH

Energy indicators

Heating requirement 41 kWh/m2a

Primary energy requirement 96.0 kWh/m2a

CO2 emissions 11.4 kg/m2a PV yield 52,668 kWh/a

MULTI - GENERATIONAL RECREATION FACILITY

SENIOR AND COMMUNITY CENTER IN REDMOND, WASHINGTON

Authors: Jim Kalvelage, FAIA and Chris Roberts, AIA

Photos: Lara Swimmer / Esto

Redmond Senior & Community Center aims to enhance the well-being and quality of life for all residents as a multi-generational recreation facility. Located prominently on the Municipal Campus in Redmond, Washington, at the former site of the Senior Center, this 4,830 m² facility combines community and recreation spaces to foster belonging for senior adults and Redmond’s diverse, all-ages population. Prioritizing sustainability throughout this project, Opsis and Johnston Architects utilized various innovative features to achieve design and efficiency goals.

OFFICIAL OPENING MAY 2024

Location Redmond, WA, USA

Client / Operator City of Redmond

www.opsisarch.com

Fronting the Civic Commons and Sammamish River Trail, the facility is designed within the constraints of the floodplain setback and weaves together the urban and natural context to create new connections and indoor-outdoor relationships. The building layout organization features a north community wing and senior adult lounge with the two-story recreation wing located to the south. The main entry lobby is positioned to accommodate entries from both the arrival plaza and Sammamish River Trail. Indoor-outdoor connections are integrated on all sides with the senior-adult entry courtyard, community room dining terrace, and gymnasium events plaza fronting the Civic Commons.

The community wing is comprised of the senior-adult lounge and library, divisible community room with stage and classroom, art studio and music practice room. The recreation wing features a multipurpose gym which accommodates various sports including pickleball, volleyball, and basketball, with an elevated walk-jog track on the upper level along with a dedicated stretching area, cardio/weight loft, and group exercise studio.

LEVEL 1

1. Gymnasium 2. Changing rooms 3. Administration

Lobby

Music / green room

Arts / crafts studio

Arts gallery / lounge

Senior library

Senior lounge

Game room

Cultural kitchen 12. Community room 13. Stage / meeting room

LEVEL 2

14. Walk / jog track

15. Childwatch

16. Group exercise room 17. Cardio / weigh loft 18. Stretching / lounge

19. Photovoltaic array

ACOUSTICS AND TECHNOLOGY

The interior design draws from the natural context with exposed mass timber construction and a color palette of blue reflecting the Sammamish River and green recalling the sweeping lawn of the Civic Commons. The design integrates universal design principles, prioritizing the needs of senior adults with features like oversized automated doors and wellness assessment rooms. Redmond's cultural richness is celebrated throughout, with gallery walls for rotating art installations by local BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) artists, a cultural kitchen and a community room with a stage for cultural performances. The flexible layout accommodates lectures, performances, and concerts with seating up to 360. The community room is available to the community as a banquet, wedding, cultural events, performances, or celebration space.

The exterior design strives for a human-scale expressing the community and recreation wings as distinct elements clad in durable wood siding finished in warm natural and gray color tones. Overhangs and loggias provide covered outdoor gathering places combined with gymnasium sunscreens which filter direct sunlight through varied perforated metal panel patterns that offer an organic character in discourse with the landscape along the Sammamish River.

TRACKING LEED PLATINUM CERTIFICATION

Sustainability played a primary role in the design and operations in alignment with the City’s Sustainability Action Plan and Climate Emergency Declaration goals. Tracking LEED Platinum certification, the design incorporates innovative sustainability practices, including Mass Plywood Panel (MPP) construction from locally sourced climate-resilient forests. The use of MPP earned a LEED innovation point, the first ever USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council) awarded for using climate-resilient wood. This mass timber building is estimated to provide a carbon benefit equivalent to taking 286 cars off the road annually. The building automation system adjusts temperature setpoints and lighting output to reduce peak demand loads, supporting a cleaner regional energy grid.

Air-sourced heat pumps are installed for thermal comfort and domestic heated water. The all-electric commercial kitchen is utilized for the senior lunch program. The all-electric facility includes a rooftop 156 kW PV array designed to achieve a projected 56.2% energy cost savings.

SIMULTANEOUSLY OVERLAPPING SEVERAL PROGRAM GROUPS

WASAGA BEACH ARENA AND PUBLIC LIBRARY

Author: MJMA Architecture & Design

Photos: Scott Norsworthy, Rémi Carreiro

Wasaga Beach Arena and Public Library is located in Wasaga Beach, Ontario, on the southern end of Georgian Bay, adjacent to Lake Huron. The Town of Wasaga Beach is situated along the longest freshwater beach in the world and has been a popular summer destination for tourists from Toronto (150 km to the south) for over a hundred years. Increasing residential development is making the town evolve from a seasonal vacation destination to an established yearround community. This progress has spurred the development of new civic infrastructure, public institutions, and commercial developments along the lakeshore and along the primary commercial streets.

OFFICIAL OPENING JANUARY 2024

Location

Wasaga Beach, Canada

Client / Operator

Town of Wasaga Beach / Wasaga Beach Public Library

Architects MJMA Architecture & Design, www.mjma.ca

Principal Designer

Robert Allen, Design Partner, MJMA Architecture & Design

Partner-in-Charge

Viktors Jaunkalns, MJMA Architecture & Design

This project was proposed to replace an aging arena on the town’s east side and to create a new central library. The 10,900 m² building brief called for a twin-pad ice arena, a 200-seat community arena with an elevated fitness track, and a 1,000-seat multi-purpose arena suitable for ice hockey, figure skating training, concerts and trade shows. A 389 m² community hall with a full-service kitchen and landscaped exterior terrace was added to the program to accommodate community sponsored and rental events.

The original 1994 town library was inadequate for the growing population and for modern library program and technologies. Dedicated areas for digital labs, music and film recording and children’s and youth zones were developed to maximize the programming of the library. The combination of new recreation programs and a 2,100 m² central library was intended to create a new combined civic cultural and sport center for the town.

INTRODUCING MORE PUBLIC GREEN

The project is located on a remediated 6-hectare site on the primary east-west road leading into the commercial centre of the town. The site configuration was also planned to accommodate future development of an ambulance and emergency services station, as well as a large stormwater management pond for the 375-vehicle parking lots.

The project was intended to simultaneously overlap several program groups; public library users, community hall and event patrons and ice arena athletes. The exterior program developed basketball courts, public terraces opening to the multi-purpose community halls and landscaped reading gardens accessible from the library.

A rational plan creates a central pedestrian spine through the complex, with entrance doors to the east and west accessed form two parking areas on either side of the building. The library entrance (with book drop-off) is easily accessible from the west entrance, while arena and community hall events (with bus drop-off) are accessible from the east entrance.

The Public Library and Community Hall form a continuous civic elevation to River Road West. In this suburban context, where vehicle parking typically sits directly at the front of buildings, this municipal project proposes a broad public green lawn with exterior terraces and dune-shaped landforms that reference the topography of the adjacent beach. Planting with native beach grasses and trees follow the curves of the landscaped dunes. Several mature trees were protected at the street edge to frame the terraces of the community hall.

FUNCTIONAL BUILT FORM

The building was built on a strict CAD 375 per square feet budget, necessitating a rational steel structure, economical exterior materials and compact cartesian plan. Built form strategies included building orientation to shelter entrances from prevailing winter winds, deep window recesses to reduce solar heat gain in library reading areas and a highly efficient window to wall ratio. The introduction of abundant natural light was a guiding principle in the development of the arena and public space building sections; high-level translucent polycarbonate panels bounce light from angled ceiling planes to the central public lobby and to the walls of the arenas.

In small Ontario towns, the local arena is often the largest performance venue. The 1,000-seat spectator arena was designed to host concerts and events, with integrated lighting and speaker locations as well as sound-absorbing wall treatments for a tuned acoustic environment.

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR LARGE DIFFERENCES IN TEMPERATURE

The building is designed with a high-performance, highly insulated envelope, optimized glazing area, and limited projections. The supply/exhaust air systems use heat recovery wheels to reclaim energy from the exhaust air systems. The arena refrigeration plant rejects waste compressor heat into a thermal storage tank where it is re-cycled for use in the rink under floor heating (freeze protection) system, ice resurfacer snow melt pit, radiant floor heating in spectator areas and other building heating loads.

The arena ceiling was designed with low-emissivity ceiling panels to reduce the heat load in the ice rinks that radiates from the warm ceiling surface to the cold ice surface.

SIGNAGE, WAYFINDING AND GRAPHICS

A complete environmental graphics program was developed for the project, including exterior and interior signage, directories, room identification and donor recognition. A bespoke suite of pictograms was developed that reference the popular local outdoor activities of hiking, paddling and hockey. The graphic design was inspired by the shoreline curve of the Nottawasaga River. The public library book stack and panels feature the curving shoreline graphics and archival photographs that celebrate the area’s history.

MULTI - FUNCTIONAL EVENT VENUE OF THE FUTURE

INNOVATION BY ASB GLASSFLOOR AT BMW PARK

Author: ASB GlassFloor, www.asbglassfloor.com

Photo: Christina Pahnke/sampics

In just a few weeks, BMW Park in Munich, Germany has been transformed into one of the most modern event arenas in Europe. Originally built as the Olympic basketball hall for the 1972 Games, it has undergone an impressive revival with the permanent installation of the world’s first video sports floor made of glass. ASB GlassFloor is not just a groundbreaking innovation for sports - it unlocks entirely new possibilities for event venues.

MULTI-FUNCTIONALITY FOR MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY

A SB GlassFloor is much more than a traditional sports floor. Beneath its durable glass surface lie millions of LEDs that can be programmed for dynamic displays. Whether for sports events, concerts, or business functions, the floor enables interactive graphics, animated branding, and immersive experiences. Its ceramic-coated surface ensures excellent slip resistance and meets the highest safety standards.

For multi-purpose arena operators, ASB GlassFloor offers maximum flexibility and economic benefits. Sponsor content can be dynamically adapted, event layouts can be reconfigured in seconds, and interactive visuals enhance audience engagement. At the same time, its durability and low maintenance costs make it a sustainable and profitable investment for any venue.

BMW PARK: A STAGE FOR SPORTS, ENTERTAINMENT, AND BUSINESS

Since the installation of ASB GlassFloor in summer 2024, BMW Park has already hosted numerous high-profile events. One standout moment was the grand New Year’s Eve show featuring German television star and entertainer Florian Silbereisen, where the floor became the centerpiece of a stunning visual and lighting production. The home games of FC Bayern Basketball also benefit from the technology, with interactive animations and visual effects enhancing the ingame atmosphere.

Looking ahead, BMW Park is set to host a variety of innovative event formats, from concerts and trade fairs to interactive shows and roller-skating discos. Companies can utilize the floor for product presentations and brand showcases, while artists can transform it into a dynamic canvas for performances. The versatility of ASB GlassFloor also allows for unconventional experiences, such as virtual installations or interactive art displays.

With its unique combination of technology, design, and multi-functionality, BMW Park is setting new standards for the future of the sports and event industry. ASB GlassFloor proves that a floor can be much more than just a playing surface - it becomes an interactive platform for unforgettable experiences.

SUSTAINABLY SPORTING

Gerflor offers environmentally friendly sports flooring made of vinyl and linoleum

Under the motto “we care / we act”, the leading manufacturer of resilient floor coverings takes a holistic view of all business processes in terms of sustainability - from plant and process engineering at all production sites in Germany and abroad to the development and market launch of new flooring solutions.

DLW Linoleum sports flooring: “Cradle to Cradle” certified Sports floors made from DLW Linoleum, manufactured in Germany since 1882 and marketed by Gerflor under the DLW Sports brand, are particularly environmentally friendly. The multifunctional Linodur Sport and Colorette Sport linoleum floor coverings, specially developed for sports halls, consist of 98% organic or mineral raw materials, 75% of which are quickly renewable. The material also has a recycled content of up to 40% and is certified with the “Blue Angel” and “Cradle to Cradle Silver” eco-labels.

TARAFLEX and PREMIUM SPORT vinyl sports floors: Sustainably successful

Gerflor is also setting new standards in terms of sustainability for vinyl sports floors. Both the TARAFLEX collections and the new PREMIUM SPORT floor coverings are made from up to 80% biobased, mineral and recycled materials. Soy waste from animal feed replaces fossil raw materials and thus helps to reduce CO2 emissions.

Closed material cycle

In the spirit of resource-conserving material cycles, the company has launched the “Second Life” recycling program especially for the installation trade. Gerflor partners have the opportunity to collect offcuts and have them picked up.

Gerflor Group www.gerflor.de

TATAMSPORT ELECTRIC DIVIDER CURTAINS

At Tatamsport, we work to divide spaces in sports halls with style, and by tailoring our curtains to satisfy the most demanding needs of our customers, adapting them perfectly to their surrounding spaces.

We offer a wide range of models to suit the requirements of each location:

• Our electric acoustic models are designed to reduce noise by up to 23dB, which allows for different sports to be practised with complete independence and prevents noise transfer between areas.

• The folding model is the most effective choice when it comes to dividing spaces specifically for sports activities. We offer various versions of this model: mixed screen, all canvas and all mesh, depending on the specifications and aesthetic requirements of each case.

Since 1996, we have been providing sports facilities with our product quality and guarantee, expanding in the international market, and establishing our company as a reference in the domestic market.

The quality and guarantee of our curtains, with their minimal maintenance, robust structures and meticulous manufacturing, speak for themselves.

Grupo Toldos Serrano www.tatamsport.com

Photo: TatamSport

Photo: Gerflor

THE ‘HOLSTERTURM’

PLAYPARC has created a unique combination of history, fantasy and modern play fun with the customised ‘Holsterturm’ playground attraction in Nieheim. Inspired by the town's 700-year-old landmark, the play tower delights children and adults alike and has already been hailed by the press as ‘the crowning glory of all playground plans in Nieheim’. With its authentic stone block look, castle battlements, arched gates and lookouts, the ‘Holster Tower’ invites children into a medieval play world. The detailed design stimulates the imagination and creates space for adventurous themed play. Whether as a knight, princess, merchant or castle dweller - there are no limits to creative role play.

A special highlight is the ground-floor cheese shop, where the chubby cheese tester ‘Mausi’ lives. This lovingly integrated element with a local connection also captivates children and turns the playground into a place full of stories and movement.

The path to the top of the tower leads over several challenging climbing levels and rewards you with a fantastic view of the real Holster Tower. The return to the bottom is a bouncy ride down one of the two stainless steel tube slides, which have been designed for different age groups. Even more action is provided by the ‘LUUPZ 15’ leaning longbow carousel, which offers children aged 5 and over an exciting dynamic.

In spring 2025, the playground will be expanded to include a barrier-free EPDM area and the ‘Tivat’ inclusion carousel. This will also allow people in wheelchairs to experience physical forces and have fun together.

PLAYPARC is delighted with the positive feedback and is proud to have once again fulfilled the wishes of children, citizens and planners.

PLAYPARC GmbH www.playparc.de

NEW CEO - MICHAEL KARPE

With effect from January 1, 2025, Michael Karpe has taken over the sole management of GEZOLAN as the new CEO. Michael Karpe is taking over the baton from his predecessor Josep Roger, who is retiring after 25 successful years at GEZOLAN and the KRAIBURG Group. For GEZOLAN, this staff-wise development means continuity in the management, as Michael Karpe has been part of the GEZOLAN management team since the beginning of 2023.

Michael Karpe has been with GEZOLAN since 2017 and has played a key role in shaping the company's positive development in his previous roles. From his many years at GEZOLAN and other companies in the sports and leisure flooring sector, Michael Karpe also knows the industry and its challenges inside out. With his experience and personal background, Michael Karpe is the ideal successor to retiring CEO Josep Roger, who will remain with GEZOLAN in an advisory role as a member of the Board of Directors. To ensure a smooth transition, Michael Karpe and Josep Roger will work closely together in the first quarter of 2025.

"It is with great confidence and pride that I pass the baton to my longtime colleague and trusted right hand, Michael Karpe. Michael has been an integral part of the GEZOLAN management team for a long time and has developed the company professionally with his foresight and experience. I am delighted to know that GEZOLAN is in good hands," says retiring CEO Josep Roger to his farewell.

"I am looking forward to the new challenge and the trust that has been placed in me with my appointment as CEO. I am convinced that I will be able to make an important contribution to the positive development of GEZOLAN in my new role," Michael Karpe is looking forward to his new function.

GEZOLAN AG www.gezolan.com

Photo: PLAYPARC

Photo: GEZOLAN

ENSURING EXCELLENCE IN SPORTS FACILITIES

Lausin y Vicente is a long-established family run company with a passion for sports. Founded in 1974, the initial products for Lausin y Vicente were gymnastics apparatus to equip schools and sport clubs in Spain, however, during the 1990s, the product portfolio expanded to include football goals, basketball backstops, and athletics equipment, to equip different sport facilities across the globe.

In the world of professional sports and community recreation, the success of a sports hall or arena hinges not only on its infrastructure but also on the quality of the equipment it provides.

Sports facilities are subject to frequent use, and equipment must be durable enough to withstand the demands of constant activity. Investing in high-quality, durable sports equipment ensures that sports halls and arenas can operate smoothly for years to come, reducing the need for frequent replacements and costly repairs. In this end, our products are designed to conform with current European and international standards, and having durability and safety in mind, ensuring longevity and optimal performance throughout its lifespan.

No two sports venues are identical. From the size and layout of the hall to the specific sports hosted, every venue has unique specifications. This is why we take a personalized approach to each project.

As the sports industry continues to evolve, we remain dedicated to providing cutting-edge equipment and exceptional service, ensuring that every sports hall and arena can reach its full potential.

BRIEFLY ABOUT ASB GLASSFLOOR

ASB GlassFloor is a leading provider of innovative sports flooring solutions. Renowned for transforming arenas into dynamic, interactive spaces, ASB GlassFloor combines cutting-edge technology with exceptional design to create visually stunning and highly functional surfaces. The advanced glass flooring is utilised by some of the world’s most prestigious sporting events and venues, setting new standards for performance and aesthetics.

With a focus on innovation, quality, and durability, ASB GlassFloor continues to redefine the possibilities of sports venues and event spaces, providing unparalleled experiences for athletes and audiences alike.

ASB GlassFloor has been showcased in prominent events such as the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup, the NBA All-Star 2024, and the Basketball Champions League Final Four 2024, reflecting the dedication to enhancing sports venues with high-performance and visually striking flooring.

ASB Glass Floor www.asbglassfloor.com

Photo: Lausin y Vicente

COMPANY INDEX FROM A TO Z

IAKS member companies go one step ahead with „Professionals & Profiles“. And position themselves prominently – in print and online. Report on your innovations and references in sb magazine and the IAKS newsletter and on our website. It goes without saying that your architect or supplier logo appears in every issue – and is sure to catch the eye of your business partners.

ACO GmbH 24782 Büdelsdorf, Germany tief-galabau@aco.com www.aco-sport.de

» Drainage systems

» Sports ground construction

» Sports ground equipment

ANRIN GmbH 59609 Anröchte, Germany info@anrin.com www.anrin.com

» Drainage systems

» Sports ground construction

» Sports ground equipment

ASPG Deutschland GmbH 40221 Düsseldorf, Germany info@D-aspg.de www.D-aspg.de

» Elastic layers; protecting surfaces

» Indoor sports floorings

» Outdoor sports floorings

» Mobile floorings, cover systems

» Sports ground construction

AGROB BUCHTAL

Deutsche Steinzeug Keramik GmbH 92521 Schwarzenfeld, Germany agrob-buchtal@deutsche-steinzeug.de www.agrob-buchtal.de

» Aquatic construction

» Pool construction; ceramics

Sekisui Alveo AG 6043 Adligenswil, Switzerland info@alveosport.com www.alveosport.com

» Artifical turf

» Elastic layers; protecting surfaces

» Indoor sports floorings

» Outdoor sports floorings

» Sports ground construction

Arbeitskreis Trennvorhänge e.V. 42327 Wuppertal, Germany info@arbeitskreis-trennvorhaenge.de www.arbeitskreis-trennvorhaenge.de

» Indoor equipment

» Sports hall dividers

AST Eissport und Solaranlagenbau GmbH 87629 Füssen, Germany hannes.schretter@ast.at www.ast.at

» Aquatic equipment

» Ice hockey boards

» Ice resurfacers

» Ice rink construction

» Ice sports equipment

ASB GlassFloor Systembau Horst Babinsky GmbH 83371 Stein, Germany info@asbglassfloor.com www.asbglassfloor.com

» Indoor sports floorings

» Mobile floorings, cover systems

» Multi-sport courts

Avant Sports Industrial Co.,Ltd 518108 Shenzhen, China sales@avant.com.cn www.avantseating.com

» Artificial turf

» Multi-sport courts

» Stands, seating

Bänfer GmbH Sportmanufaktur 34537 Bad Wildungen, Germany info@baenfer.de www.baenfer.de

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Indoor equipment

» Mobile floorings; cover systems

» Temporary and modular constructions

BLOACS 50935 Cologne, Germany info@bloacs.de www.bloacs.de

» Multi-sport courts

» Outdoor equipment

» Sports ground equipment

» Playground equipment

Conica AG 8207 Schaffhausen, Switzerland info@conica.com www.conica.com

» Indoor sports floorings

» Outdoor sports floorings

» Sports ground construction

eccos pro gmbh 42553 Velbert, Germany info@eccos-pro.com www.eccos-pro.com

» Aquatic equipment

» Changing rooms and equipment

» Fitness equipment

» Ice sports equipment

» Ticketing, access systems

Gotthilf Benz Turngerätefabrik GmbH+Co KG 71364 Winnenden, Germany info@benz-sport.de www.benz-sport.de

» Aquatic equipment

» Fitness equipment

» Indoor equipment

» Outdoor equipment

» Sports ground equipment

Brinkmann + Deppen

Architekten / Landschaftsarchitekten 48336 Sassenberg, Germany info@brinkmann-deppen.de www.brinkmann-deppen.de

» Architecture and design

» Landscape design

CustomBars GmbH 26723 Emden, Germany info@custombars.de www.custombars.de

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Fitness equipment

» Outdoor equipment

» Multi-sport courts

» Playground equipment

ENGO GmbH Srl 39040 Vahrn (BZ), Italy info@engo-ice.com www.engo-ice.com

» Ice hockey boards

» Ice rink construction

» Ice resurfacers

» Ice sports equipment

» Mobile floorings, cover systems

BERNDORF

Metall- und Bäderbau GmbH 2560 Berndorf, Austria office@berndorf-baederbau.com www.berndorf-baederbau.com

» Aquatic construction

» Aquatic equipment

» Pool construction, stainless steel

Carl Stahl ARC GmbH 73079 Süßen, Germany xtend@carlstahl-arc.com www.carlstahl-architektur.com

» Facades and building envelopes

» Perimeter boards, nettings

» Playground equipment

» Security systems, fencing

» Sports ground equipment

DSGN CONCEPTS GmbH 48145 Münster, Germany info@dsgn-concepts.de www.dsgn-concepts.de

» Landscape design

Eurotramp-Trampoline Kurt Hack GmbH 73235 Weilheim / Teck, Germany eurotramp@eurotramp.com www.eurotramp.com

» Aquatic equipment

» Indoor equipment

» Playground equipment

» Sports ground equipment

GANTNER

Electronic GmbH Deutschland 44894 Bochum, Germany info-de@gantner.com www.gantner.com

» Aquatic equipment

» Changing rooms and equipment

» Fitness equipment

» Indoor equipment

» Ticketing, access systems

geo3 GmbH 47551 Bedburg-Hau, Germany kontakt@geo3.de www.geo3.de

» Architecture and design

» Landscape design

» Feasibility studies

GEZOLAN AG 6252 Dagmersellen, Switzerland customer-service@gezolan.com www.gezolan.com

» Artificial turf

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Multi-sport courts

» Outdoor sports floorings

» Sports ground construction

Hamberger Flooring GmbH & Co. KG 83071 Stephanskirchen, Germany info@haro-sports.com www.haro-sports.com

» Indoor sports floorings

» Protecting surfaces

» Mobile floorings

» Cover systems

Herculan BV 4231 DJ Meerkerk, Netherlands info@herculan.com www.herculan.com

» Indoor sports floorings

» Multi-sport courts

» Outdoor sports floorings

GfKK – Gesellschaft für Kältetechnik- Klimatechnik mbH 50859 Köln, Germany info@gfkk.de www.gfkk.de

» Ice rink construction

» Ice sports equipment

» Sanitary, heating, air conditioning, energy recovery

Hauraton GmbH & Co. KG 76437 Rastatt, Germany info@hauraton.com www.hauraton.com

» Drainage systems

» Sports ground construction

HET Elastomertechnik 65203 Wiesbaden, Germany info@het-group.com www.het-group.com

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Fitness equipment

» Playground equipment

» Outdoor sports floorings

Gerflor Mipolam GmbH 53824 Troisdorf, Germany gerflormipolam@gerflor.com www.gerflor.de

» Indoor sports floorings

» Mobile floorings, cover systems

Gütegemeinschaft Sportgeräte 53113 Bonn, Germany info@sichere-sporthalle.de www.sichere-sporthalle.de

» Indoor equipment

» Sports ground equipment

» Testing, quality assurance

heiler GmbH & Co. KG 33649 Bielefeld, Germany info@heiler-sport.de www.heiler-sport.de

» Artificial turf

» Cleaning and maintenance

» Hybrid turf

» Natural turf

» Sports ground construction

Intercom Dr. Leitner 39040 Freienfeld, Italien intercom@leitner.it www.realice.info

» Ice hockey boards

» Ice rink construction

» Ice resurfacers

INTERGREEN AG 60433 Frankfurt, Germany info@intergreen.de www.intergreen.de

» Artificial turf

» Cleaning and maintenance

» Hybrid turf

» Natural turf

» Sports ground construction

Jakob Rope Systems 3555 Trubschachen, Switzerland info@jakob.com www.jakob.com

» Facades and building envelopes

» Security systems, fencing

» Perimeter boards and nettings

» Play- and sports ground equipment

ISP GmbH 48167 Münster, Germany info@isp-germany.com www.isp-germany.com

» Testing, quality assurance

JUNCKERS INDUSTRIER A/S 4600 Køge, Denmark info-exp@junckers.com www.junckers.com

» Indoor sports floorings

» Multi-sport courts

» Sports hall construction

» Stadium and arena construction

» Temporary and modular constructions

ISS GmbH 63263 Neu-Isenburg, Germany info@iss4u.de www.iss4u.de

» Aquatic equipment

» Ice hockey boards

» Ice rink construction

» Ice resurfacers

» Ice sports equipment

Kernig Consulting GmbH 48155 Münster, Deutschland info@andreaskernig.de www.kernig-consulting.de

» Consulting » Fitness centres

» Pools and aquatic facilities

» Architecture & design

PROFESSIONALS & PROFILES

The “P&P“ advertising package is exclusive for IAKS member companies. It allows you to place a half-page news advert in a total of three issues per year.

YOUR ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

 Your company profile will be listed in the “P&P Index” in the magazine

 Your profile will be published in our newsletter and will also appear in the news on our website

 Your entry in the database of the IAKS website will be upgraded to Premium. The Premium entry includes:

• Listing of up to 10 of your main activities

• Placement of your company logo and the contact address

• Premium entries are pushed to the top of the search results

Register now!

KRAIBURG Relastec GmbH & Co. KG 29410 Salzwedel, Germany sportec@kraiburg-relastec.com www.kraiburg-relastec.com/sportec

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Indoor sports floorings

» Outdoor sports floorings

» Playground equipment

Hermann Kutter LandschaftsbauSportplatzbau GmbH & Co. KG 87700 Memmingen, Germany info@kutter-galabau.de www.kutter-galabau.de

» Artificial turf

» Cleaning and maintenance

» Hybrid turf

» Natural turf

» Sports ground construction

Labor Lehmacher | Schneider GmbH & Co. KG 49076 Osnabrück, Germany info@labor-lehmacher.de www.l-l-s.de

» Testing, quality assurance

Max Rosenau, Marketing rosenau@iaks.sport

Felicia Astuni, Marketing astuni@iaks.sport

Landskate GmbH 50823 Köln, Germany info@lndskt.de www.lndskt.de

» Landscape design

M3 Architectes 2737 Luxembourg, Luxembourg mail@m3archi.lu www.m3archi.lu

» Architecture and design

maier landschaftsarchitektur / Betonlandschaften 51107 Köln, Germany

info@maierlandschaftsarchitektur.de www.maierlandschaftsarchitektur.de

» Landscape design

Herbert Labarre GmbH & Co. KG 22337 Hamburg, Germany info@labarre-galabau.de www.labarre-galabau.de

» Artificial turf

» Cleaning and maintenance

» Hybrid turf

» Natural turf

» Sports ground construction

LAUSIN Y VICENTE S.L. 50420 Cadrete, Spain export@lausinyvicente.com www.lausinyvicente.com

» Indoor equipment

» Playground equipment

» Sports ground equipment

» Sports hall dividers

» Stadium and arena equipment

McArena GmbH 71522 Backnang, Germany info@mcarena.de www.mcarena.de

» Multi-sport courts

» Sports hall construction

» Turnkey construction

Melos GmbH

49324 Melle, Germany info@melos-gmbh.com www.melos-gmbh.com

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Multi-sport courts

» Outdoor sports floorings

» Sports ground construction

Pellikaan Bauunternehmen Deutschland GmbH 40880 Ratingen, Germany info@pellikaan.de www.pellikaan.de

» Aquatic construction

» Aquatic equipment

» Sports hall construction

» Turnkey construction

MYRTHA POOLS

A&T Europe SPA 46043 Castiglione d/Stiviere (MN), Italy info@myrthapools.com www.myrthapools.com

» Aquatic construction

» Pool construction, other systems

» Pool construction, stainless steel

PERROT-Regnerbau Calw GmbH 75382 Althengstett, Germany perrot@perrot.de www.perrot.de

» Irrigation systems

NUSSLI Group 8536 Hüttwilen, Switzerland information@nussli.com www.nussli.com

» Sports hall construction

» Stadium and arena construction

» Stands, seating

» Temporary and modular constructions

» Turnkey construction

Play-Parc

Allwetter-Freizeitanlagenbau GmbH 33014 Bad Driburg, Germany info@playparc.de www.playparc.de

» Fitness equipment

» Indoor equipment

» Multi-sport courts

» Outdoor equipment

» Sports ground equipment Polytan GmbH 86666 Burgheim, Germany info@polytan.com www.polytan.de

» Artificial turf

» Cleaning and maintenance

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Outdoor sports floorings

» Sports ground construction

PS+ Planung von Sportstätten 49078 Osnabrück, Germany info@ps-planung.de www.ps-planung.de

» Architecture and design

» Landscape design

VIACOR Polymer GmbH 72108 Rottenburg a. N., Germany info@viacor.de www.viacor.de

» Artificial turf

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Indoor sports floorings

» Outdoor sports floorings

» Sports ground construction

Sika Nederland B.V. (Pulastic sports flooring) 7400 AK Deventer, Netherlands export@nl.sika.com www.pulastic.com

» Ceilings, windows, walls

» Indoor sports floorings

» Multi-sport courts

» Outdoor sports floorings

Schmitz Foam Products BV 6040 KG Roermond, Netherlands sales@schmitzfoam.com www.schmitzfoam.com

» Artifical turf

» Elastic layers; protecting surfaces

» Outdoor sports floorings

» Sports ground construction

Rasenplan GmbH 4125 Riehen, Switzerland info@rasenplan.com www.rasenplan.com

» Architecture and design

» Landscape design

» Consulting

» Project management

» Feasibility studies

REGUPOL Germany GmbH & Co. KG 57319 Bad Berleburg, Germany info@regupol.de www.regupol.com

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Indoor sports floorings

» Mobile floorings, cover systems

» Outdoor sports floorings

» Playground equipment

Signgrass® NIK-Tufting BV 5571 TJ Bergeijk, Netherlands info@signgrass.com www.signgrass.com

» Artifical turf

» Multi-sport courts

» Outdoor sports floorings

» Sports ground construction

» Sports ground equipment

SMG Sportplatzmaschinenbau GmbH 89269 Vöhringen, Germany info@smg-machines.com www.smg-machines.com

» Cleaning and maintenance

» Sports ground construction

» Sports ground equipment

STARGUM Stankiewicz Sp.j. 73-110 Stargard, Poland sales@stargum.pl www.stargum.pl

» Artificial turf

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Indoor sports floorings

» Multi-sport courts

» Outdoor sports floorings

RICHTER Sportstättenkonzepte GmbH 07629 Hermsdorf, Germany info@sportstaettenkonzepte.de www.sportstaettenkonzepte.de

» Architecture and design » Landscape design

Siteco Beleuchtungstechnik GmbH 83301 Traunreut, Germany info@siteco.de www.siteco.de

» Lighting systems

Robbins Sports Surfaces OH 45226 Cincinnati, USA info@robbinsfloor.com www.robbinsfloor.com

» Indoor sports floorings

» Mobile floorings, cover systems

» Multi-sport courts

SMC2 S.A.S. 69440 Mornant, France contact@smc2-construction.com www.smc2-construction.com

» Ceilings, windows, walls

» Facades and building envelopes

» Fixed and retractable roofing systems

» Temporary and modular constructions

» Turnkey construction

Holz-Speckmann GmbH & Co. KG 33790 Halle/ Westfalen, Germany info@speed-lock.com www.speed-lock.com

» Indoor sports floorings

» Mobile floorings, cover systems

STOCKMEIER URETHANES GmbH & Co.KG 32657 Lemgo, Germany urethanes.ger@stockmeier.com www.stockmeier-urethanes.de

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Indoor sports floorings

» Outdoor sports floorings

Spieth Gymnastics GmbH 73776 Altbach, Germany info@spieth-gymnastics.com www.spieth-gymnastics.com

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Indoor equipment

» Mobile floorings, cover systems

» Sports ground equipment

Tatamsport 50014 Zaragoza, Spain tatamsport@toldosserrano.com www.tatamsport.com

» Indoor equipment

» Sports hall dividers

Trenomat GmbH & Co. KG 42327 Wuppertal, Germany info@trenomat.de www.trenomat.de

» Indoor equipment

» Mobile floorings, cover systems

» Perimeter boards, nettings

» Sports hall dividers

Universal Sport Sportgeräteherstellungs- und Vertriebs GmbH 71101 Schönaich, Germany info@universal-sport.com www.universal-sport.com

» Ice sports equipment

» Indoor equipment

» Mobile floorings, cover systems

» Perimeter boards, nettings

» Sports ground equipment

WM technics GmbH 39053 Blumau, Italy info@wm-technics.com www.wm-on-ice.com

» Ice resurfacers

Troldtekt A/S

8310 Tranbjerg J., Denmark info@troldtekt.com www.troldtekt.com

» Ceilings, windows, walls

TURNBAR by Eiden & Wagner 54634 Bitburg, Germany info@turnbar.net www.turnbar.net

» Fitness equipment

» Indoor equipment

» Multi-sport courts

» Outdoor equipment

» Sports ground equipment

Vindico Sport GmbH 73463 Westhausen, Germany info@vindico-sport.de www.vindico-sport.com

» Outdoor equipment

» Multi-sport courts

» Stadium and arena equipment

» Sports ground construction

ZELLER bäderbau GmbH 89520 Heidenheim, Germany info@zeller-baederbau.com www.zeller-baederbau.com

» Aquatic construction

» Aquatic equipment

» Pool construction, stainless steel

Hans-Joachim Weitzel GmbH & Co. KG 25436 Tornesch, Germany schult@hjweitzel.de www.hjweitzel.de

» Artificial turf

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Multi-sport courts

» Outdoor sports floorings

» Sports ground equipment Your product and company information on a half page, newsletter feature, plus your logo in the company index –for just EUR 870 per year.

» Sports ground construction

Züko Deutschland GmbH 78176 Blumberg, Germany deutschland@zueko.com www.zueko.com

» Changing rooms and equipment

» Ice hockey boards

» Ice resurfacers

» Ice rink construction

» Ice sports equipment

International magazine for sports, leisure and recreational facilities

Edited and published by

SECRETARY GENERAL WITH OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY

Klaus Meinel meinel@iaks.sport

EDITORIAL BOARD

Silke Bardenheuer bardenheuer@iaks.sport +49(0)221 168023-11

EDITORIAL PROGRAMME

1/2025

5/2025

EDITORIAL BOARD AND PUBLISHER

IAKS

International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities Eupener Straße 70 50933 Cologne, Germany

+49(0)221 16 80 23-0 sb@iaks.sport www.iaks.sport

TRANSLATION/EDITORIAL REPORT

Tim Chafer, ExperTeam Otto-Hahn-Str. 57, 40591 Düsseldorf, Germany

Euro-Sprachendienst Jellen Rheinaustr. 125, 53225 Bonn, Germany www.euro-sprachendienst.de

MARKETING

Maximilian Rosenau rosenau@iaks.sport +49(0)221 168023-13

MARKETING

Felicia Astuni astuni@iaks.sport +49(0)221 168023-15

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Victoria Page page@iaks.sport

+49(0)221 168023-12

SUBSCRIPTION PRICE 2025 65 EUR Germany 85 EUR Other countries 12 EUR Single issue

ISSN (Print): 0036-102X ISSN (Internet): ISSN 2198-4271

Jurisdiction and place of performance: Cologne, Germany For advertisement prices, see 2025 Media Data.

PRINT

Limberg-Druck Industriestr. 17 41564 Kaarst, Germany www.limberg.de

The publisher has unlimited rights to work accepted for printing. Reprint or duplication, even of extracts, is only permitted with the publisher‘s written consent.

www.pellikaan.com