Simon Fraser University Stadium in Burnaby

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

FLOATING ABOVE THE STANDS

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 stadium 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.

All of the services are integrated into the canopy The primary design element is the cantilevered roof canopy over the centre section of seats. To emphasize the viewing experience for the spectators, the structure was deliberately minimized, and all of the services are integrated into the canopy. The intent was to make the canopy as thin as possible to create the impression that the expansive cantilever floats above the seats. With unobstructed views out to the field and into the stands, the design creates a magical experience for both spectator and athlete.

Heavy impact on the canopy Heavy snow loads, large cross-laminated timber panels with integrated systems, and tight clearances to the adjacent sports complex made engineering, fabrication and installation of the roof structure particularly challenging. The canopy design pays respect to the athletic and cultural feats that will be viewed on the field. Incredible amounts of practice and training are behind the moments of brilliance spectators will witness on the field. The same sense of magic is captured in the canopy. How can something so large seem to float above the stands?

Gathering places The stadium’s design strives to create a new type of public space on campus. On event days, it is a performance venue that supports a range of viewing experiences, including formal seating for those who want to focus on the game and areas for socializing for those who like to mingle. Outside of event days, it becomes a south-facing outdoor seating area to view athletic or cultural events that supports the building of community on campus. The covered formal seating under the canopy provides weather-protected outdoor space for club or social gatherings, the uncovered formal seating’s being smaller in scale provides an alternate space, and the terrace, informal ramp seating and adjacent spaces offer other options for the campus community.