FLOATING ABOVE THE STANDS
Location Burnaby, BC, Canada Client / operator Simon Fraser University Architects Perkins&Will CA – Vancouver, BC V6B 2Y5 www.perkinswill.com Author Perkins&Will Photos Andrew Latreille Official opening 2021 52
SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY STADIUM IN BURNABY, BC
The opening of the new SFU stadium is the culmination of a vision that was born alongside the founding of the university. Ever since the concrete bleachers in the original development plan were deemed too costly, the campus has been void of this critical community-building space. Architecture firm Perkins&Will designed the canopy as thin as possible to create the impression that the expansive cantilever floats above the seats. Recognizing that athletic events only occur 20 days out of the year, the intent was to design an outdoor gathering space for both formal and informal uses, providing a variety of gathering and viewing opportunities to allow students the freedom to enjoy events as they decide. The natural slope from the athletics complex down to the
field was the perfect location for the new s tadium with 1,823 formal seats and over 300 informal seats to enjoy events and socialize at Terry Fox Field. The expansive cantilevered roof, which covers over half the seating, integrates a press box at the terrace level with washrooms, service spaces and the football locker room located below. sb 2/2022
