sb 4/2024 (english)

Use the knowledge of our worldwide network!

WHO WE ARE

The IAKS is the leading global non-profit organisation for professionals from the sports, leisure and recreation facilities industry. Since 1965, IAKS has been enabling international networking for the exchange of expertise in the fields of architecture, construction and operations. IAKS is an IOC Recognized Organisation and cooperates with the IPC and many more international non-profit bodies.

Our network is the meeting place for architects, engineers, clients, designers, local authorities, technical and operative management, sports federations and clubs!

IAKS has partners and members in 153 countries. National sections serve local interests, organise regional and own events and provide information to the members of their countries.

You’re enthusiastic about high-quality, functional and sustainable sports facilities? You appreciate cross-sector exchange among experts?

You’re looking for or can provide forward-looking information on the architecture, construction and operation of sports and leisure facilities?

If so, you’ll feel at home in the international IAKS network: for inspiration, solutions and a global forum.

© IAKS – Hieronymus Caspar

EDITORIAL

DEAR IAKS MEMBERS, DEAR FRIENDS OF SB,

Living in a small city, I understand just how important it is to our overall well-being to have access to dynamic and versatile spaces. And it’s important to note that urban spaces (in fact, any public areas!) need to be more than simply functional; they should also engage people, inspire them and foster a real sense of community spirit. Spaces that encourage movement, play and sports are especially valuable, as they make a tremendous contribution to the richness of urban life.

I have fond memories of my childhood, when I wanted to spend every spare minute outdoors. The playgrounds, streets and parks provided the backdrop for all my best adventures. Over time, however, many of these once vibrant hubs have been sacrificed to make way for the increasing numbers of cars on the roads. Thankfully, this trend has been going in the opposite direction in recent years. Dynamic urban spaces are more than just centres for community engagement; they also serve as meeting spots for people to come together and connect.

The sports and learning campus in Bürstadt, Germany, is a multifunctional area that combines education and sports in an inclusive setting. With synthetic turf pitches, an outdoor arena and a range of contemporary sports amenities including a ninja warrior course and a calisthenics zone, the campus has really raised the bar for urban sports facilities. The integration of green spaces and sustainable infrastructure enhances not only the local environment, but also the overall user experience.

Following major renovations, the Prahran Skatepark in Melbourne, Australia, now offers a contemporary and inviting space for skaters of every age and ability. The skatepark is not only a sports hotspot, but also a lively social venue that enhances the urban landscape with its innovative design and actively encourages people to get involved. In this setting, movement is woven into the fabric of city life, serving to energise the community and strengthen social ties.

Get ready for reports on the 4A Sports Park in Tianjin, China, that creatively integrates learning environments into public spaces, the renovation of the Parque de Poniente skatepark in Madrid, Spain, the vibrant sports areas at the German School in Athens, Greece, and the Mars-like "Red Dunes Playtopia" in Guangzhou, China. Learn about the comprehensive "Flensburg Stays Active" initiative aimed at promoting health and movement in the northern German city, and discover the Swiss Hopp-la Foundation, which promotes active interaction across generations.

These examples clearly illustrate how urban spaces can be reimagined to better serve a local community’s needs. Opportunities to transform spaces aren’t confined to major projects alone; enormous potential can also be found in small-scale initiatives, local neighbourhoods and the shift towards more sustainable transportation. Creative planning and community involvement can lead to the creation of places that people don’t just use, but truly love. They play a crucial role in making our cities more enjoyable to live in and sustainable for the future. They encourage exercise, promote community interaction, and create an environment where people can feel at home and thrive.

And so, rather than being a passing trend, dynamic urban spaces are actually crucial to our future progress. In an age where urban sprawl and the loss of green spaces pose major challenges, they offer solutions that are sustainable in the truest sense, benefiting both the environment and the community.

Let these featured projects spark your creativity. Be globally inspired, act local!

Steffen Strasser Member of the IAKS Executive Board

Steffen Strasser

ACTIVATING URBAN SPACES

ACTIVE PLACES: BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

2-3 OCTOBER 2024, SPORT IRELAND CAMPUS AND AVIVA STADIUM DUBLIN

Author: IAKS

Photos: IAKS, Aviva Stadium

Supported by:

Join IAKS in Dublin this October 2nd-3rd for a dynamic two-day event on sustainable and inclusive sports and leisure facilities! "Active Places: Building a Sustainable Future" will be the overall topic for the IAKS UK & Ireland seminar and facility tour taking place on the 2nd-3rd October 2024 in Dublin, Ireland.

Day one (Wednesday) features an exclusive tour of the Sport Ireland campus, where the low-carbon sports masterplan design and operational observations will be presented. Continuing the campus narrative, TU Dublin will discuss sport and wellbeing in university environments.

Day two (Thursday) will take place at the world-class Aviva Stadium and will include a stadium tour. Expert speakers from Dublin City Council, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), and the Danish Foundation for Culture and Sports among others will discuss and debate pressing industry topics. Get to know solutions for low-carbon design, decarbonisation strategies for existing sports, and inclusive approaches to boost community participation in sports.

WHO WILL ATTEND?

Public and private operators, sports organisations, universities, architects, building contractors and other consultants.

WHY JOIN?

The event will be of interest to anyone involved in the commissioning, design, construction and operation of community, elite and university facilities, interested in learnings from both the Irish and international market.

A unique opportunity to hear emerging data from leading experts on sustainable and inclusive sports and leisure development, not to be missed. As with all IAKS events, it provides a great networking opportunity for exchange of knowledge and ideas on the development of leading sports facilities. Register now!

Registration fee until/after 2nd Sept 2024

IAKS members: € 150/190

Public sector: € 190/230

Non members: € 250/290

Networking dinner: € 35/35

NEW IAKS PUBLICATIONS

IAKS STUDY TRIP TO AUSTRALIA: SPORTS AND LEISURE FACILITIES

IN A „SPORTING NATION“

ARCHITECTURE, TECHNOLOGY USE AND FAN ENGAGEMENT

Author: IAKS

Photos: IAKS

This year's IAKS study trip took place in three stages to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. From 25th June to 3rd July 2024, it enabled participants to visit traditional and modern sports and leisure facilities, get to know Australian sports culture and exchange ideas with operators and architects. The IAKS Australia/New Zealand team, led by Yvette Audet, had put together an exclusive sightseeing program.

The highly international IAKS tour group comprised 40 architects, operators and manufacturers from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Germany, India, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The focus of the visits and discussions was on rugby and cricket stadiums, club sports centres with competitive and sport for all profiles, as well as public sports and swimming centres.

Melbourne

Sydney

Brisbane

Photo gallery

RUGBY AND CRICKET

PROVIDE THE FAN EXPERIENCE

In Melbourne, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was a topclass venue on the program. The MCG is one of the most important and largest stadiums in Australia with space for around 100,000 spectators. The history of the facility can be traced back to 1853, since when the stadium has been owned and operated by the Melbourne Cricket Club. In addition to the tour by the technical management of the MCG, a visit to the "State of Origin" rugby game between the Queensland and New South Wales select teams in front of 90,000 spectators also left a lasting impression. Similar to the MCG, the Sydney Cricket Ground and "The Gabba" in Brisbane also have a circular stadium interior and are used not only for cricket, but also for rugby (NRL and rugby union) as well as for concerts and similar events. All three stadiums have existed at their respective locations for 120 to 150 years and have been rebuilt several times over the decades.

Due to the great popularity of the two rugby variants "NRL" and "Rugby Union" as well as the increasing interest in football/ soccer, various new rectangular stadiums have been built in the

last 20 years. AAMI Park in Melbourne, Allianz Stadium, Accor Stadium and CommBank Stadium (all in Sydney) as well as Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane impressed with high spectator comfort and extensive VIP and conference areas.

The stadiums visited are generally operated by the public sector and rented out to the clubs using them. As all stadiums are used by two or more sports or sports clubs, areas and rooms are designed for flexible branding. Compared to European stadiums, the high proportion of digital boards, screens and signage areas on all levels of the stands was impressive. In addition to rapid customization, these also enable breathtaking event staging before the start of the match. At Accor Stadium, the world's largest digital screen currently, 120 meters wide, gave an idea of new dimensions of experience.

During the tour of the Australian Open tennis center in Melbourne, the participants gained insights into the successful operation of an "event centre" with several multifunctional arenas of different sizes, which are marketed from a single source and can therefore meet any capacity requirements and wishes of event organizers.

HIGH-LEVEL SPORT AND SPORT FOR ALL UNDER ONE ROOF

High-level sport plays an important role in public life in Australia. Thanks to the support of sponsors and fans, a surprising number of professional teams can exist side by side. Many professional leagues and clubs have built modern high-level sports centres in recent years in order to offer their athletes optimal training conditions as well as to make the administration and marketing of the organization fit for the future.

While the New South Wales Rugby League Center is a "classic" high-level training centre for athletes only, the sports centres of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, the Sydney Swans and the Brisbane Lions not only offer facilities for strength and endurance training as well as performance diagnostics and medical rehabilitation for the professionals, but also a wide range of fitness, games and health offers for the population from young to old. The focus here is on the idea of inclusion, whether in terms of equal facilities for the men's and women's teams or course programs for all user groups with different abilities. The extensive and high-quality offers naturally come at a price: the monthly fee for using the fitness, health and swimming offers is between 120 and 160 euros.

FOCUS ON SWIMMING AND FITNESS

The IAKS study tour also took in the publicly operated swimming and sports centres in Brimbank near Melbourne, at Sydney Olympic Park, in Parramatta, at Sleeman Centre, at Pimpana Sports Hub and in Gold Coast. Similar to the Canadian "community centre" concept, sports, fitness and health services for the community are combined in one facility, with an Australian focus on swimming and fitness training.

The IAKS experts were surprised by the large number of 50 m sports pools with more than just eight lanes. The amount of water space available in Australia exceeds European dimensions and financial possibilities many times.

The operator concepts are based on a high proportion of memberships for swimming, fitness training and courses. With annual user numbers of between 650,000 and 900,000, the municipal subsidies can be limited to around EUR 1 per user.

ARCHITECTURE AND AUSTRALIAN CULTURE

The 2024 IAKS study tour offered participants extremely interesting insights into Australia's sports and leisure facilities. Architectural highlights included the Rod Laver Arena, the Sydney Swans Headquarters, the Allianz Stadium, the Parramatta Swimming Center and the Pimpana Sports Hub, in addition to the traditional cricket stadiums.

Further highlights of Australia's culture included a number of tourist attractions such as walks in the heart of Sydney and on the world-famous beaches of Bondi Beach and Coogee Beach with a visit to the lifeguard club there, stadium experiences at rugby matches and a visit to a koala and kangaroo breeding sanctuary.

NSC | IAKS 2024: GLOBAL KNOWLEDGE SHARING

CONFERENCE

AND EXPO AT ITS

BEST 27–28 JUNE 2024, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

Author: NSC/IAKS

Photos: NSC, IAKS ANZ

The NSC | IAKS 2024 conference and expo held in Melbourne, Australia from 27-28 July 2024 turned out to be the best event to date. With 1,500 attendees from the sport, recreation, government, construction, commercial providers, education, health, play, and fitness sectors, the event saw an impressive attendance.

157 international attendees, including Argentina, Canada, China, Denmark, Fiji, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nepal, New Zealand, Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, UAE, UK and the USA, underline the high international level.

The overall event had eight conference streams, an NSC Oration, three global keynotes, eight Industry Keynotes, eight Debates, and 24 Workshops over the two days, plus a VIP welcome and networking events. The Sports & Recreation Expo featured 70+ exhibitors, eight activation areas and over 700

Expo only attendees making it the biggest and most immersive event to date.

In keeping with the strong commitment to industry collaboration, the event engaged with 50 incredible industry partners and collaborators. Their guidance was instrumental in shaping the discussions and showcases to align with industry needs.

We from IAKS are humbled by the opportunity to partner with the NSC Team this year and are looking forward to the next collaboration.

Photo gallery

NEW TO THE IAKS NETWORK

SOLINGEN EISSPORT

SOLINGEN

(GERMANY )

The Solingen ice rink has provided space for ice hockey, figure skating and public ice skating since the 1970s. Management was taken over by EC Bergisch Land e.V. two years ago. It is operated by the wholly-owned subsidiary "Solingen Eissport gGmbH".

In the continuous improvement and modernisation process, the focus is on energy efficiency and service orientation. In summer, concerts, trade fairs and private events take place in the 2,000 m² multi-purpose hall. The facilities feature energy-efficient LED lighting, comprehensive Wi-Fi coverage, modernised sanitary facilities, a modernised changing room/ skate fitting room and a convenient bistro area and club room for private and company events.

www.eissporthalle-solingen.de

BREWSTER HJORTH ARCHITECTS

SYDNEY (AUSTRALIA)

Brewster Hjorth Architects (BHA) is a highly respected multiaward winning design focussed practice. Established in 1984, the studio specialises in the design of distinctive, bespoke high quality architectural projects in the sporting, recreation, civic, and education sectors such as sports centres, aquat ic centres, theatres and libraries and specialist education projects.

The studio approach to the design of its projects allows the board of directors (Ian Brewster, Andrew Hjorth, Larry Me locco and Maria Colella) to work together on all of its designs. BHA’s office is located in Surry Hills, Sydney.

www.brewsterhjorth.com.au

ABACUS LIGHTING

SUTTON- IN-ASHFIELD (UK )

Abacus Lighting is a renowned company specialising in innovative lighting solutions. Established in 1958, Abacus has a rich history of providing high-quality lighting products and ser vices for various sectors, including sports, commercial, and public spaces. Known for their expertise in bespoke exterior lighting solutions, Abacus Lighting emphasises energy efficiency and sustainability. It offers comprehensive services from design and manufacturing to installation and maintenance. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and technological advancement, Abacus Lighting continues to illuminate environments worldwide with precision and reliability.

www.abacuslighting.com

ACT SPORTS

MURO DE ALCOY (SPAIN)

Part of Belgian Beaulieu International Group, Act Sports offers a wide range of synthetic turf solutions for sports. Designed for player performance, the products ensure consistency across all weather types, long lifetime, and predictable maintenance cost. Millions of players enjoy the solutions every day, while playing on Act Sports’ sports fields and courts throughout Europe. FIFA, World Rugby (Preferred) and FIH (Preferred) Producer statuses underpin the premium quality and excellent playing experience of sports solutions provided by Act Sports. All solutions are manufactured inhouse in the company’s facilities in Spain, Belgium and USA.

www.act.sport

PERNILLA HOLGERSSON GOTHENBURG (SWEDEN)

With an MSc in chemical engineering and system analysis, Pernilla Holgersson is part of the Swedish team at NILU - a Norwegian, non-profit, and independent climate and environmental research institute established in 1969. She works on sustainable value chains, circular economy, and non-toxic.

One of her tasks is to coordinate the Municipalities' Artificial Turf Network, a national network for municipalities interested in artificial turf issues. The network continues the work of BeKoGr. Pernilla will lead this network to collect, manage, and disseminate knowledge about artificial turf to municipalities and other stakeholders, aiming to reduce the climate and environmental impact of artificial turf pitches.

CARABINER ARCHITECTS PERTH (AUSTRALIA)

The Perth-based architecture firm believes that the way public buildings are designed and built should empower the people who visit, work and live in them to thrive, grow, and succeed. Carabiner designs sport and recreation facilities that are equitable, encourage participation, and are financially sustainable.

Carabiner provides a full range of architectural services; feasibility, master planning, concept to detailed design, interior design and project delivery.

Their experience ranges from high-performance training facilities for a range of sporting codes, through to school and community recreation centres. Carabiner feel it is gratifying to know that each project they design helps more Australians to get active – for their benefit and for the benefit of the whole community.

www.carabiner.com.au

REBECCA GEMENIS HEATHMONT (AUSTRALIA)

Becky is a highly experienced swimming teacher, bringing over 15 years industry experience in both the U.K. and Australia. Her diverse teaching background is supported by formal training in the early childhood sector. Her passion for developing new teachers and improving aquatic education practice in Australia led her to a role with AUSTSWIM where she headed WETS Training, implementing processes to streamline assessment and issuing of WETS instructor licenses in line with best practice and COVID restrictions.

SEALED AIR CORPORATION

KETTERING (UK )

Sealed Air brand Whisper® Acoustic Panels are a robust honeycomb-like matrix of networked closed cells which efficiently absorb noise. Whisper will improve the acoustic comfort in your sporting or aquatic environment, indoors or outside.

Whisper® is ideal for pools because of its resistance to water (3L/Minute), and long-term water, chlorine, salt and chloramine exposure.

Whisper® has a rapid lightweight vertical baffle system, with fastenings compliant with EN 13451-1 Annex F. Our penetrationfree, flush-mounting system is designed for SIP panel installations.

Whisper® FR 50mm has durable Class A acoustic absorption and is fire retardant EN 13501 Class B s2 d0.

www.sealedair.com

HIGH-PROFILE ENDORSEMENT FROM NBA STAR DENNIS SCHRÖDER

REDESIGN OF A SKATEPARK AND STREETBALL COURTS IN BRAUNSCHWEIG

Author: Dr Veith Kilberth

Renderings: Landskate, www.lndskt.de

A state-of-the-art EUR 1.4 million skatepark is being developed in the historic Prinz-AlbrechtPark in Braunschweig, replacing the old roller rink and featuring in-situ concrete construction along with nearby streetball courts. By the end of 2024, the area spanning 3,200 m² will be transformed into a vibrant hub for social sports, characterised by its functional and high-quality sporting facilities as well as its aesthetic design.

The “Prinzenpark” is a landmark location with real historical significance for Braunschweig’s skateboarding and streetball scene. With this in mind, the design needed to honour the park’s history while incorporating ideas from as many users as possible of roller sports such as skateboarding, BMX, stunt scooters, inline skating, WCMX (wheelchair motoX/skating), as well as basketball and streetball.

LOCAL CONNECTIONS: DENNIS SCHRÖDER INVOLVED

Having grown up in Braunschweig, NBA superstar Dennis Schröder was originally part of the local skate scene here before finding his way into basketball and being discovered as a talent in Prinzenpark. The city was understandably delighted to secure his involvement in the project. In addition to providing financial support, Schröder also played a key role in designing the streetball courts. The planning of the project was handled by Landskate, a Cologne-based company specialising in skateparks. They worked in close cooperation with city officials, park users and Dennis Schröder through a series of meetings to bring the new design to life.

DEPAVING THE AREA

The layout of the sports facilities and recreational areas reflects the distinctive oval shape of the original site. Surrounded by an existing circular path, the current asphalt surface will be replaced, with certain areas depaved and visually sectioned through the addition of new green spaces.

The skatepark design follows a street flow concept, incorporating not only street elements from urban settings (such as benches and railings), but also organically shaped flow elements that promote a smooth skating experience. With the aim of creating a facility that caters to as many users as possible, the concept takes into account all age groups, skill levels, and intensities of activity.

VERSATILE DESIGN FOR RECREATIONAL SPORTS AND COMPETITIONS

Following on from the skatepark, plans also include a new fullcourt streetball facility and an additional mini court with a synthetic surface. The adjacent mini court also doubles as a space for temporary bleachers, making it possible to host large-scale events at a competitive level.

The ethos of the entire facility is that it is “free, open and outdoors”. Each of the sports areas is equipped with its own lighting that features dimmable timers, which extends their operational hours significantly and helps to spread out peak times during the autumn and winter months.

CONNECTING WITH YOUNG PEOPLE IN THEIR FAVOURITE SPOTS

The Braunschweig project highlights how both conventional and unconventional sports facilities can be integrated into an urban sports park and seamlessly incorporated into the existing park design. After all, the entire purpose of activity zones such as this is to inspire people to linger and enjoy taking part in sports in a way that suits them.

With this project, the city is creating a dynamic and creative space for casual sports that is expected to significantly enhance the quality of life for young people in Braunschweig and the surrounding area.

WITH COMBINED EFFORTS, “FLENSBURG KEEPS MOVING”

SYSTEMATIC OVERALL STRATEGY FOR MORE HEALTH AND EXERCISE IN PUBLIC SPACES

Authors: Thomas Dau-Eckert; Stadt Flensburg (youth department); Stadt Flensburg (department of education, sport, culture)

Photos: Technical operations centre Flensburg, Stadt Flensburg, Sven Geissler

United under a common umbrella and over the period from 2019 until 2028, Flensburg’s responsible parties are pursuing four goals at once: an integrated urban development strategy, municipal sports development planning, municipal playground planning and the health goals of the town in Germany's north. The key factor is the interdisciplinary approach of the specialist planning groups and the involvement of all stakeholders. Their shared goal is a coordinated array of cross-district and multifunctional play and exercise spaces.

In each of Flensburg’s thirteen districts, at least one intergenerationally designed activity area with easy and barrier-free accessibility is to be created by 2028, by upgrading existing areas as well as by creating new ones in residential and redevelopment area projects. A total of 20 potential sites have been selected, ten of local importance and ten of significance for the town as a whole. An additional special site is devoted primarily to the subject of inclusion. In the longer term, cycle routes and district circuits are to link the areas together. Common features are also to be included, e.g. small pitches, seating opportunities, roofed areas, cycle parks, barbecue areas and, last but not least, school playgrounds.

For the implementation of the planned measures, the interdisciplinary project group receives up to EUR 500,000 per year

from Flensburg’s urban development fund, established in 2018 with the passing of the Integrative Urban Development Strategy, in order to generate funding for key measures. Since 2019, measures have been implemented in this way in two larger inner-town parks and one smaller district park, on two closeto-nature play areas, in a municipal wood, on the two town beaches, in the Hesttoft inclusive playground and in what is now nine school playgrounds. With a total volume of roughly EUR 2.3 million with roughly EUR 940,000 of external funding, these include the upgrading of paths, the addition of play, balancing, fitness and exercise equipment and small pitches, the improvement of amenity value with seating and shelters and also with barbecue stations and fire pits and 134 bicycle racks at 19 locations.

INTEGRATED APPROACH TO EXERCISE AND HEALTH

The programme’s point of departure is the realisation that exercise, physical activity and sport reduce health risks and enhance fitness and well-being. “Flensburg keeps moving” therefore works in an integrated manner by developing all measures on an interdisciplinary basis in cooperation with health planners and sports officials and taking a cross-generational approach. There have already been cooperative ventures with health insurance companies and sports clubs.

Special attention is paid to school playgrounds, as this is where everyday patterns are learnt and exercise boosts learning skills. Activities for senior citizens are also integrated. Local people are involved in the project design to ensure that the new equipment suits those who use it. The aim is to create places that bring people together through exercise. Exercise is the means of organising interaction, social relationships and communication. Through cooperation and campaigns, the municipality, clubs and other organisations are creating additional opportunities for exercise at the sites.

SHORT DISTANCES – NO MORE THAN 300 M TO THE NEAREST PARK

It doesn’t take much to meet up and get moving. Above all, going to an outdoor location must be worth the effort. Places and people are always the starting point for these measures. Even minor changes are often enough to make people feel more comfortable. “Flensburg keeps moving” will create a blanket network of play and exercise facilities that will benefit everyone in Flensburg. This is where the town’s compact structure will help, as the average distance to the nearest smaller green space is already no more than 300 metres.

The municipality’s Technical Operations Centre ensures the long-term management of all the implemented measures. The partnerships and collaborations with clubs, health insurance companies and other organisations help to anchor them in the urban community and provide services. Thanks to the Urban Development Strategy 2030, the programme and the work of the project group will soon become a permanent task.

EXAMPLES OF THE SYSTEMATIC OVERALL CONCEPT

MULTIFUNCTIONAL PLAY AND EXERCISE SPACES

The projects completed include the construction of three public sports and fitness facilities, including at the stadium, the upgrading of three close-to-nature play areas including fire pits, and the exercise-friendly redesign or upgrading of nine school playgrounds, on which four multifunctional small pitches have been created. Cross-sectional issues have also been addressed by building numerous bicycle parking facilities and shelters throughout the town as well as barbecue areas at the Ostseebad and in Solitüde. Inclusion is also integral to the construction projects from the start of the planning phase and has been implemented in the upgrading of the inclusive Hesttoft playground. Skating has also been provided for, among other things, through the modernisation of the Engelsby youth activity area. As part of the upgrading of the historic green spaces of Christiansenpark and Museumsberg, play and exercise have been incorporated into the plans and play equipment has been integrated into the parks.

A NEW EMPHASIS ON INTERDISCIPLINARY COOPERATION

Thanks to the interdisciplinary approach of the specialist planning group, a variety of viewpoints are integrated and interlinked in the planning and implementation of measures in a way that would often not be possible with specialist departments working in isolation. When the playgrounds are upgraded, for example, sports equipment for adults and/or senior citizens is integrated to allow intergenerational activities to take place here. This is an example of the multifunctional and cross-generational approach. This is supplemented with expertise from the fields of landscape architecture, public participation and third-party fundraising, which enables projects to be implemented quickly.

The planning format for the measures prioritises user participation. Through the comprehensive involvement of stakeholders at an early planning stage, ideas are gathered locally in faceto-face discussions, in writing and/or online as well as at special meetings and collectively developed further, e.g. into models. The example of the Tarup close-to-nature play area clearly shows how the interests of different users and nature conservation are reconciled: in addition to a BMX track and play and sports equipment for children and young people, the area also includes a fire pit with groups of tables and benches for families, seating with flowers in bloom for older people and a dog exercise area, and the water-bound path surface is barrier-free.

In addition to the implementation of holistically planned construction measures, the outcome of the specialist planning also includes the adaptation of work processes to integrate the improvement of conditions for play and exercise in key areas. With this in mind, the Municipal Properties, for example, have had a separate budget of EUR 100,000 for improving the school playgrounds since 2022. A quarterly coordination meeting has also been established for upgrading the school grounds.

VOLKSPARK FLENSBURG EXAMPLE:

SPORT IN GREEN SURROUNDINGS

The Volkspark is a 75-hectare publicly accessible park and woodland area close to the town centre, with the stadium embedded in it. The park is located in a densely built-up neighbourhood on the eastern side of Flensburg’s inner fjord and is readily accessible from the town centre. The Volkspark and stadium are used by people of all ages, various sports clubs with their grassroots sports programmes, Flensburg schools and the university, as well as an increasing number of leisure sports enthusiasts.

The location of the stadium within the Volkspark offers enormous potential for promoting health and exercise. Clubs now use the outdoor fitness park and the running circuit with the sports equipment in the Volkspark for open training programmes and thus reach new target groups. This will also make the activities

offered by the club in the stadium visible and accessible to more people. The upgrading of the Volkspark will make it attractive to more people, who will then also benefit from additional possible uses (cycling, walking, jogging, fitness training with steps and elevation, playgrounds, sledging hill). The Volkspark has succeeded in combining traditional sports infrastructure with opportunities for exercise in public spaces.

The “Volkspark Flensburg – Sport in the Park” project involved the expansion of play, leisure and exercise facilities in the town centre park, upgrading and opening-up the Flensburg stadium, and the creation of new links and relationships between the sports facility and the park. The aim has been and still is to create an integrated sports and exercise park that continues to develop and combines traditional club and school sports infrastructure with public green spaces.

playground

Seating and picnic areas Meadow Water tower

Entrances

Exercise stations

Balancing trail Volksbank Stadium with a running track

OPEN TO NEW IDEAS:

REACHING NEW TARGET GROUPS WITH OPEN OFFERS OF TRAINING

The project’s biggest success is the way the public outdoor fitness park at the stadium completed in 2022 has been received by the local population. Two sports clubs hold open training sessions here several times a week. It is also used by a growing calisthenics community, which includes refugees from Ukraine who live in accommodation on the stadium site. Flensburg has taken up this trend as part of an ongoing participation process and added a running circuit with calisthenics and other fitness equipment at suitable spots in the Volkspark in 2023.

STRONG FOCUS ON FAMILIES AND SENIOR CITIZENS

The Volkspark area provides spaces for leisure and relaxation in the centre of the town. The construction measures have enabled these functions to be carefully expanded in harmony with nature and improved the ambient quality. As a moraine plateau, the Volkspark offers special viewpoints of the town and the fjord. As part of the measures, these were upgraded with such features as fitness equipment or seating and picnic facilities, thus making the park even more appealing to families and senior citizens. Two large children’s playgrounds located to the south and north of the Volkspark have been linked by a balancing trail with an animal discovery trail.

REFURBISHMENT + STADIUM UPGRADE

Among other things, the renovation of the main pitch, running track and associated facilities was realised; Planning by the management company

• Municipal real estate

Qualification of the Volkspark in Flensburg as part of the "Flensburg keeps moving" programme

DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT

Elaboration of a development concept with basic research and measures for the Volkspark

• Master's thesis (Faculty of Urban Planning)

FAIRYTALE PARK AT THE WATER TOWER

"Fairy-tale play and activity stations" with German-Danish fairy-tale motifs

• executed by the 2nd year of the Flensburg School of Applied Arts

FITNESS PARK AT THE STADIUM

Public outdoor fitness park; Sports clubs offer free training several times a week

• Athletics club together with the AOK health insurance company took over the sponsorship

from 2022

RUNNING CIRCUIT WITH TRAINING STATIONS

Running circuit with calisthenics and fitness equipment, connection of the two children's playgrounds by a balancing trail; sports and seating facilities on the solstice meadow

• Participation of citizens, Flensburg running club and youth hostel

LANDSCAPED GARDENS EXAMPLE

Author and planning: WES LandschaftsArchitektur

Photos: Guido Erbring

Landscape gardens are Flensburg’s largest inner-town recreational area and a point of reference for three town districts. Their importance will increase in the long term, as the addition of up to 1,000 residential units is planned in the surrounding area as part of a transformation programme. As a result of remodelling, the historic area has been given a contemporary, but above all sustainable and robust design that is also suitable for a higher intensity of use. The plan has been to redesign the area surrounding the museums, plug existing gaps and establish a barrier-free connection to Christiansenpark via the old cemetery. A new, interconnected park landscape of 10 hectares has been created.

The area’s historical and cultural assets have been restored and highlighted. Both the improvement in amenity value and the barrier-free design have now created a space for interaction and participation for all residents and visitors to Flensburg. Thanks to the redesign, the Museumsberg is now also much more attractive as an open-air event venue. The area surrounding the museum has been developed with the museum’s participation and now offers space for environmental education. Overall, these spaces will thus much better reflect the cultural significance for the entire town.

EXERCISE AND HEALTH

As one of two key measures for the development of the existing urban greenery, the measure was included in the “Flensburg keeps moving” programme as a green space of importance to the town as a whole and has been developed in close consultation with the associated project group for play and exercise areas. Overall, the accessibility of the historic area has been significantly improved and existing barriers removed.

In Christiansenpark, the existing path system has been extended to form a circular path. Where possible, features encouraging exercise such as swings, slacklines and trampolines have been added, always taking account of the character of the listed buildings. The area around the museum site can now be experienced as a whole, without barriers between paved and green spaces and with a new fountain. Another new highlight is play art, which was developed as part of a competition with pupils from the School of Applied Arts based on a picture by the important Art Nouveau artist and native of Flensburg, Hans Christiansen.

REINVENTION OF AN ICON

PRAHRAN SKATEPARK AND BASKETBALL COURT IN MELBOURNE

Author: Convic

Photos: Mitch Fong

This project proves that it is possible to redesign a sports facility without robbing it of its soul. Together with local skaters, CONVIC has created a safe facility that reflects the needs of the community and embraces the long history of skating in Melbourne. Located close to the city centre, Prahran Skatepark and Basketball Court is a vibrant urban sanctuary where everyone is welcome to get into action or hang out.

OFFICIAL OPENING JUNE 2024

Location Prahran, Australia

Client / Operator

City of Stonnington

Architects Convic, www.convic.com

Construction costs

AUD 5 million (EUR 3.1 million)

PRAHRAN SKATEPARK HISTORY

The first version of the long-evolving Prahran skatepark was built in 1987. Because of it’s long historic presence in Melbourne’s skate culture, the Prahran skatepark has been a high profile inner city facility becoming an icon of Melbourne and Australian skate culture with many famous pro skaters such as Tony Hawk, Cristian Hosoi and Renton Millar visiting the facility throughout the years.

In designing the new space, CONVIC worked closely with local skaters and the community to create a design that truly reflected the community requirements and needs. A key objective formed from the stakeholder group was to replicate in a modern way a number of the much-loved features from the old park within the new space. One of these obstacles was the much-loved vertical ramp, a free to use, one of a kind structure in Australia. CONVIC re-built the new vertical ramp to international competition standards so that it can be utilized as an Olympic training facility for current and future athletes.

SAFE AND FRIENDLY FACILITY

Because the old skatepark was visually cut off from the surrounding streets contributing to anti-social behavior making the young users and families feel unsafe, a key objective for the project was to create a safe space for all community members and open views into and through the space promoting passive surveillance. It is essential for the design of any youth facility to allow for and encourage clear views into, across, from and through the site. This promotes passive and natural surveillance and discourages anti-social behavior.

MATERIALITY

The new facility provides a mix of textuality, combining contemporary and heritage materials with a high focus on functionality and quality to form a cutting edge skatepark leading the way in contemporary skatepark design.

The materials celebrate Melbourne, its heritage and rich history. The use of iconic Melbourne bluestone pavers and golden powder coat for the steel work celebrate bluestone construction and Melbourne’s Gold rush back in the 1850’s. The curving white walls take inspiration from Melbourne’s modern architecture and pay homage to the nearby Prahran Square to tie in architectural styles. The French pattern and stain glazing on the sculptural shade structure also pay homage to the adjacent Chapel Off Chapel church built in 1858. All materiality has been detailed and built by CONVIC to the highest construction tolerances to ensure optimum skate functionality with materials that are not typical for a skatepark finish.

ONE OF A KIND SKATEPARK

Skateparks are continuously evolving from the early 1990's back of house grey concrete brutalist slab to contemporary urban spaces with real paving, seating areas and shaded green space to form dynamic hangout spaces where youth want to be. CONVIC have adopted a number of landscape architectural principles within the design of this space to form a new typology of skate plaza that is integrated within the public realm and creates a destination space for the community.

Integrating this skate plaza within an urban renewal project demonstrates how well-designed public space can bring a vibrant liveness to inner city developments. It is already much loved by the local community and is owned and activated on a daily basis, demonstrating its worth as a valued community asset.

YOUTH ACTIVATION

The Prahran Skatepark and Basketball Court provides a high level of activation for a variety of different ages and user groups. The plaza gives young community members who are not catered for or actively participating in traditional team sports an urban sanctuary to hang out with friends and creatively express themselves in a safe environment in inner city Melbourne. This provides an interesting, healthy alternative for youth to get outside and be more active.

As well as active users, the facility liberally caters for viewing areas, waiting zones, hang-out space, and spectators with generous provision of seating in the form of large concrete bench seats and timber seats.

INTRODUCING GREEN

A green wall was introduced on all sides of the new vertical ramp, raised planter boxes and trees are scattered throughout the space that will provide much needed shade, soften the hardscape and make it a more inviting family friendly space. A tree cell system as well as an irrigation and stormwater reticulate have been installed under the base slab – this system will ensure success and the maximum canopy growth of the trees.

1. Skate plaza

2. Basketball court

3. Vertical ramp

4. Mini ramp

5. Shade structures

6. Hang out hub

SPORTS AESTHETICS FOR URBAN LANDSCAPE

4A SPORTS PARK IN TIANJIN

Author: Ballistic Architecture Machine

Photos: Wu Qingshan (Inter_Mountain Images)

Interactive environmental elements, the pleasure of playful learning, and a close relationship to nature are key at 4A Sports Park, invented by multidisciplinary design firm Ballistic Architecture Machine (BAM). Conventional ideas about urban landscapes are challenged with the actionpacked design for this sports park in the city of Tianjin in China. The innovative approach is to embed learning environments in public spaces through play, and to rethink the role of parks in dense cities and reimagine our relationship with nature.

OFFICIAL OPENING 2023

Location Tianjin, China

Client / Operator Sino-Ocean

www.bam-land.com

The Sports Park plot is overlayed with the urban plan of the original Yixing town. Circulation spaces are preserved, and the architecture is occupied by mazes, playgrounds, fountains, tetherball, tennis, basketball, and beer gardens. The central public space forms a long plaza space and features a tall chimney, which is the site of a geothermal well.

CELEBRATING ANCIENT HISTORY WITH

NEW DESIGN

Th e design team was initially taken with the site history which included a temple and small town called Yixing town. Today, the site is a modern city built over the remains of historical Yixing, a town with a remarkable connection to another Yixing town in Jiangsu province. With the construction of the Grand Canal, the residents of Yixing moved their entire village and reconstructed a facsimile to the north of Tianjin city. While this historical town was destroyed, the urban plan of the original Yixing is utilized as a pattern, resurfacing the lost history and giving it back to the community in a contemporary form.

QUADRANT MENU:

SPORT, FOOD, FUN AND MAZES

The project is roughly divided into four plots which overlap each other. These quadrants are defined by a central axis which runs northwest to southeast and connects the residential district through the mall to the metro. The other axis is the large central plaza which is an open space for activities and events.

Each quadrant of the park takes on a unique programmatic identity. The northern quadrant is sports focused due to its proximity and connectedness to the residential district to the north. The eastern quadrant is a food-oriented quadrant and connects down to the B1 and metro, where main food and beverage facilities are. The food landscapes in the park consist of a beer garden as well as outdoor eating areas. The food area spills across the axis to the southern quadrant which is heavily programmed with different forms of play environments.

The play environment of the southern quadrant connects to the interior family-based programmes of the retail as well as spills across the central plaza creating an active water feature, the water maze. The water maze is one of four mazes which define the western quadrant. The hedge maze, the earth maze and the wood maze are all interconnected providing a variety of different maze environments for families to enjoy, with ample onlooking space.

The four quadrants break down into micro-environments, each with their own unique spaces and programmes. The programmes and spaces of the landscape are highly curated, balancing between the landscape, retail, housing, and metro. The park is designed to be a highly active 24-hour space, with something for everyone.

THE MAZE AND THE JOURNEY OF LEARNING

The maze has been an integral idea to the design of the park, connecting spatial and thematic aspects of the design together. Both historic Yixing Towns were organized around a central temple and “Teacher’s Street”. The idea of teachers, children, and education are all linked to the various programmes of the site, as play and athletics is an important aspect in education. Spatially, the maze echoes the feel of the ancient town with its meandering streets. Symbolically, the maze represents the journey of learning, reminding visitors that in life, we continually seek our own unique path.

ECOLOGICAL AWARENESS THROUGH DESIGN

The ecological impact of the site is very much determined by its size. It was necessary to deal with the ecological functions like rainwater collection and flood management, but also the contribution of trees to the reduction of the heat island effect. The idea was to fit the programmes of a much larger park into a much smaller space. As such, the park fulfills its main ecological function by generating greater awareness of environmental issues through two key features – the geothermal chimney and the interactive hydrological model water feature.

The enormous chimney within the project site, which functions as a steam exhaust for the heated water naturally occurring in this region, is transformed into the park's brightest highlight – a yellow eye-catcher during the day and a shimmering watchtower at night.

THE "WATER MOUNTAIN" AND

ENVIRONMENTAL

EDUCATION

The other and certainly more interactive environmental element on site is the "water mountain". This water feature is an interactive hydrology model – a miniature of the Yangtze River delta landscape, the Three Gorges Reservoir, and the ancient Dujiangyan irrigation system. Children can activate water sources in the miniature mountains and use dams placed in certain locations along the water's route to create reservoirs. However, if the water is not carefully managed, it will spill over into other waterways and continue its path to the ocean.

On the surface, this water feature reflects the Chinese landscape, the agricultural and cultural development, and heritage. On a deeper level, the design talks to the human's role in the heavy manipulation of the landscape and waterways. This feature turns an idea which is potentially far too large and abstract for a child to comprehend into a play environment, where the learning is not didactic but instead inherent in the play. Through these types of play, the project brings awareness to more children about the big environmental issues in the hope to raise a generation of people with a mind to fix them.

CONNECTING TO NATURE IN THE URBAN CONDITION

Besides key ecological benefits, one of the fundamental purposes of a park is to connect to human’s inherent desire for what people consider more “natural” environments. The scale of infrastructure and architecture can be dehumanizing, this is where park spaces shine. An urban park is not really a “natural” condition, it is as constructed as the skyscrapers and towers of the city centre. It may look green and full of trees and birds, but it is not necessarily

SPORTS AS DESIGN LANGUAGE

The aim was thus to design a park that provides a true relaxing escape amid the concrete jungle. With Tianjin 4A Sports Park, the design team introduced its favorite design staples with the claim “sports and patterns” – elevating sports courts of various kinds to become the aesthetic language for the project. By layering the design further with patterns of trees, plants, street

nature in the same sense as a wilderness nature. The value of a park is to connect to our projection of what nature is and what nature feels like.

The feeling of a “natural” environment goes beyond simply adding greenery. The key is making places where humans can feel at scale with the surrounding environment. People tend to think of parks and public spaces in terms of green spaces and open lawns, but the reality of a high-density city is that people are in despairing need of quality recreational spaces.

furniture, and lights, and playfully marking various activity zones with stripes, colours, and geometric elements, a hyper-efficient park was created that offers something enjoyable for everyone, from young to old. Tianjin 4A Sports Park is a thought-provoking play with the boundaries of landscape, architecture, and the contemporary city – a design pursuit aimed at creating a shared retreat for urbanites.

VIVID COLOURFUL SPACE INVITES TO MORE OUTSIDE ACTIVITY

RENOVATION OF OUTDOOR SPORTS FACILITIES AT GERMAN SCHOOL OF ATHENS CAMPUS

Author: Katerina-Olympia Daskalaki

Photos: Babis Louizidis, Katerina Glinou, Nikolas Kargadouris

The German School of Athens's new outdoor sports facilities are part of a large-scale project related to the school’s outdoor spaces. The aim of the project is the functional and aesthetic integration of the existing areas of the complex with the outdoor space of the athletic facilities, based on the current, revised requirements of the institution. The new athletics arena will enhance the campus for all pupils of all ages.

OFFICIAL OPENING 2022

Location Marousi, Greece

Client / Operator PLETHRON Constructions

Architects

Katerina-Olympia Daskalaki, www.katerinadaskalaki.com

Myrto Matala, www.mmarchitects.gr

Landscape architects

Archetopo Landscape Architecture

The personal connection with the school, which has been a space for growth, development, and maturity until graduation, allows for an internal perception and understanding of its needs. It also familiarizes with the outdoor spaces of the school and the problems they face. The proposal is related to the main building, which exemplifies the modern architectural style of the 1960s in a dual manner based on the balance between discipline and freedom.

By renovating and redeveloping the athletic facilities, the goal is to enhance the overall experience for students and athletes. The project seeks to create a functional and visually appealing environment that meets the updated standards set by the institution. The new athletic facilities include among others a running track, high jump, long jump, shot put, tennis, volleyball, handball and basketball courts, tennis training wall, bouldering wall, outdoor exercise areas, and slackline.

INTEGRATING PREVIOUSLY UNUSED ZONES INTO THE SPORTS AREA

The basic tool used for the design concept of the outdoor athletic facilities is a grid system combined and in contradiction with a zig-zag line – a polygonal chain that defines the boundaries of the campus plot. This chain is expressed as a continuous line of concrete tribunes and benches. In this way, the geometry of the outline on the perimeter and the grid of the inner area organize the multitude of required functions and integrate previously unused zones into the sports area.

DUAL CHALLENGE

The colouring variation of the floorings is also a main aspect of the project used to highlight the grid of the sports fields. The design incorporates a combination of blue shades alongside yellow floorings. The bright colours were chosen in order to designate the recreational character of physical activity and motivate children to exercise and play in a contemporary and vivid space.

Within the interior area of the couloir, where the different courts are situated, the space is delineated by alternating patterns and lines created through the precise layout specifications of the courts. Consequently, the project’s overall aesthetic strives to be invigorating, emphasizing the school's innovative nature and complements its identity. The architectural proposal poses a dual challenge, seeking to achieve both functional design and elevated aesthetic excellence.

MARS-LIKE PLAYSCAPE

RED DUNES PLAYTOPIA IN GUANGZHOU

Author: Hu Yihao, Peng Yang, Chen Wenqi

Photos: Hu Yihao, XISUI Design

The undulating red dunes provide an attractive terrain for children to run, jump and roll. XISUI Design have integrated an array of richly functional children's activity installations into the topography, creating a natural harmony that evokes the sense of a mountain nest or a jungle treehouse. Utilizing advanced design techniques such as parameterized design, drainage optimization simulation, and structural form-finding algorithms, the Red Dunes project harmoniously blends the outdoor space with its natural surroundings.

The playscape aims to inspire both children and adults to immerse themselves in the joy of outdoor play and exploration. The striking appearance of the play landscape is characterised by the concrete walls that look like dunes. These encourage numerous activities, including exercises that enhance upper and lower body strength, balance, social interaction, and parent-child bonding, and also provide a covered play area.

Play equipment, including tunnels, stepping stones, slides, and tactile climbing frames, has been arranged across the rest of the site into zones suited towards different age groups, ranging from toddlers to teenagers.

OFFICIAL OPENING AUGUST 2022

Location GuangZhou, Guangdong Province, China

Client / Operator

Guangdong Poly Urban Development Co., Ltd.

Architects

Hu Yihao, XISUI Design, www.xisuidesign.com

Construction costs

RMB 1.8 million (EUR 227,000)

PARAMETRIC TOPOGRAPHY DESIGN

The overall topography was designed digitally according to the complexity and slope of the terrain, providing distinct zones for different age groups. The diverse children's activity facilities are seamlessly integrated into the natural surroundings, forming a cohesive space.

NATURAL DRAINAGE CALCULATED DIGITALLY

The need for drainage outlets on the surface was eliminated by applying a natural drainage that was also calculated digitally. Despite the undulating terrain, the algorithm used to generate the terrain eliminated all possible scenarios that could lead to localized water accumulation through meticulous calculations and simulations, ensuring a complete natural drainage system. This innovative approach ensures that all rainwater within the site can flow naturally into the green spaces and designated peak drainage outlets surrounding the site. As a result, there is no need for drainage outlets on the site surface.

SHELL-SHAPED CONCRETE: A CHALLENGE FOR FORM AND STRUCTURE

The undulated concrete shell structure presents a unique challenge in terms of form and structure. It emulates the cave-like topography of the natural landscape, providing climbing spaces above and sheltered areas below. Inspired by the load transfer

mechanism of natural arches, the design enables large spans and ultra-thin structural thicknesses. By integrating with the landscape, it enhances visual cohesion of the artificial structure, reduces column presence, and optimizes spatial efficiency.

PRACTICING MATERIAL EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY

Concrete, with its advantages in terms of formability, cost-effectiveness, and practicality, has become a key direction in green architecture and the development of future organic structures. The concrete shell structure in this project combines large spans and ultra-thin structural thicknesses. The upper weight is transferred to the load-bearing columns of the underground car park. This is achieved by using concealed supports under the load-bearing concrete shell.

Through mechanical calculations and modeling analysis, material savings were achieved in comparison to conventional beam-column structures, with approximately two-thirds reduction in raw material usage for the same span.

With its innovative design techniques and advanced technologies, such as parameterized topography design, digital calculation of natural drainage, and the use of a unique concrete shell structure, the project harmoniously blends functionality, aesthetics and sustainability. It aims to inspire users of all ages to embrace outdoor play and exploration, while fostering a strong connection with the surrounding natural elements.

SUSTAINABILITY, URBAN INTEGRATION AND RESILIENCE

PARQUE DE PONIENTE SKATEPARK IN MADRID

Author: DIAZ DONCEL arquitectos

Photos: DIAZ DONCEL arquitectos

The proposal for the new skate park in Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid aims to contribute to the transformation of the urban and social fabric through design strategies based on aspects of sustainability and urban integration. In addition to considering the essential technical aspects of the practice of skating, the intervention seeks to incorporate other architectural and urban features often neglected in this type of facility.

The project is located in an urban park close to the city centre. The large horizontal platform is bordered to the west by a hedge, which acts as a safety barrier against the existing hillside, but also cuts off the view of the landscape.

The new facility makes use of an old skating spot that has been restored and a multi-sports area that has also been converted into a skating rink. Added to the complex is the newly built bowl for high-level skateboarding and a series of dunes and skating elements adapted to all levels. These new elements are integrated into the natural landscape and designed with respect for the existing trees.

OFFICIAL OPENING SEPTEMBER 2023

Location Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain

Client / Operator

Municipality of Villanueva de la Cañada

Architects

DIAZ DONCEL arquitectos, www.diazdoncel.com

Technical consultant Zut Skateparks

Installation Caiser Ingenieros

IDENTITY-IMPARTING DESIGN

The identity of the complex is derived from a colour scheme carefully applied to the various elements of the installed urban equipment, which, together with the lighting towers, create an attractive and recognisable urban profile from a distance. The use of paint, texture and colour on the pavements highlights and distinguishes the various circulation zones, facilitating the coexistence of skaters and pedestrians.

The space is connected to the existing urban fabric by an arcade that creates a friendly transition with the surroundings and whose route culminates in a small viewing platform that offers new views of the nearby mountain range.

The landscaped perimeters and the incorporation of trees contribute to the regeneration of a natural appearance in harmony with the natural environment. Wherever possible, the project has been constructed using traditional materials such as ceramics and stone in combination with other modern techniques used in the construction of skate parks.

INTEGRATION INTO THE LANDSCAPE

AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

The project for the creation of the new skate park is based on the three core values of the New European Bauhaus. It combines an execution based on “sustainability” through the rationalisation of resources and the use of traditional and contemporary techniques, a proposal for an “aesthetic” facility capable of integrating into the natural and urban landscape, and an “inclusive” approach that encourages all citizens to practise the sport.

This project is part of the line of support to the local entities of the Spanish Network of Healthy Cities, recognised within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan funded by the European Next Generation Recovery Plan.

The new public space has become a meeting place that can improve people’s quality of life by promoting healthy habits and encouraging people to exercise in a natural environment.

In addition, a number of measures have been taken to minimise any significant environmental impact. Existing facilities were integrated in the design process and excavated earth was used to create new volumes. Other significant measures are the use of high-efficiency lighting with programmable controls and the planting of easy-care trees and shrubs with drip irrigation systems.

PROMOTING EXERCISE ACROSS GENERATIONS

THE STIFTUNG HOPP-LA FOUNDATION IN SWITZERLAND

Author: Benjamin Kesselring, Stiftung Hopp-la, www.hopp-la.ch

Photos: Michael Fritschi, Alex Käslin, Hopp-la

What began in a converted basement room at the Department of Sport, Exercise and Health at the University of Basel has developed within ten years into an important social cause: the “Hopp-la” idea that open spaces and activities should be attractive for all generations and invite people to exercise together and socialise.

The interactive map (follow QR code) reveals the places in Switzerland where intergenerational exercise spaces and activities have already been created. The amazing thing about them is that all these projects have been implemented in the last ten years. There is no doubt about it: intergenerational issues have become an important social concern.

HOPP- LA AS A TRENDSETTER

We see Hopp-la as a centre of excellence for the promotion of intergenerational physical exercise. We raise awareness, advise and empower activists among policy-makers, in public administrations and civil society to anchor the intergenerational idea locally. This is best achieved with a combination of generation-

ally adapted conditions, intergenerational infrastructure and intergenerational activities – the best way to meet the different needs of different generations. It should be possible for the activities to take place regularly, regardless of the weather. So ideas are also needed for the winter months.

Interactive map of all projects

THE MOST POPULAR ACTIVATION IDEAS

One of the foundation’s guiding principles is to get young and old exercising together. To achieve this in a variety of ways, we present a raft of possibilities on our website. We have developed two of these ourselves, and they are still key to promoting intergenerational physical exercise.

Hopp-la Fit is an exercise class for young and old that focuses on intergenerational exercise and socialising. Hopp-la Fit classes can take place without infrastructure in a meadow or park, but also in open spaces with intergenerational elements, such as in Hopp-la parks or on Hopp-la courses.

Hopp-la Tandem is an exercise class in an institutional setting. Children from a day care centre regularly visit the residents of an old people’s home with their carer, where they exercise together with the elderly under supervision. These encounters have thoroughly positive physical, psychological and social effects.

COACH TRAINING

Through our training modules for Hopp-la Fit instructors, we train enthusiastic people to become coaches for the intergenerational movement. They usually come from the communities or organisations concerned that implement Hopp-la projects and thus establish a symbiosis between local resources, the people on the ground and the Stiftung Hopp-la mission.

These courses have been held each year since 2018, and in some years even twice. Some 200 people have now completed this training, enabling them to get older generations and young children exercising together.

PROJECT SUPPORT AS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR

Numerous rural and urban municipalities and civic organisations (e.g. retirement homes) are now thinking about how open spaces or outdoor areas can be attractively designed. One example of this is the “Obere Mühle Villmergen”. Because the residents of the retirement home are no longer mobile enough to go to the village by themselves, the outdoor space has been designed on a grand scale as a highly varied sensory park. This flagship project has even succeeded in bringing the village to the retirement home. Numerous people of all ages regularly spend time in this attractive park; residents can go for walks with their rollators, use the balancing structure, chat with villagers and not only rest on the benches, but also take exercise. Further details: www.sinnespark.ch

Hopp-la’s task is to raise awareness, advise and empower people on important themes in projects across all phases. Project support involves infrastructure projects, in which we constantly face new challenges such as multiplication in French-speaking Switzerland. At the same time, we also provide professional support for projects relating to activities without infrastructure.

RAISING AWARENESS

Hopp-la informs and raises awareness among interested professionals from municipalities and organisations on the promotion of physical exercise, outdoor space design, participation and interdisciplinarity from an intergenerational point of view. We pass on this information in consultations, at conferences, project meetings or at input events and workshops. To this end, we are active in various disciplines, in the social, exercise and health sectors as well as in planning and construction.

CONSULTATION

Throughout the process, we support the project organisers with a good mix of theoretical background knowledge and practical experience. In our work, we focus on such key success factors as “local anchoring and networking”, “a mix of behavioural and relational focus”, “interdisciplinary project organisation” and “a participatory approach and early awareness-raising”.

EMPOWERMENT

We attach a lot of importance to empowering project groups to plan and implement projects off their own bat. This means we are committed to anchoring activities and infrastructure in the long term. The aim is to mobilise local resources for a needs-based project that generates community in the long term.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Last year, we had the pleasure of attending five openings of intergenerational exercise spaces. With five new commitments, one new preliminary clarification and three new preliminary processes, the demand for project support remained high in 2023. And we are continuing this important work this year. A few recent examples:

Zell: On 3 July 2024, the ground-breaking ceremony for another project in the canton of Lucerne, where an outdoor space that brings generations together is being planned in Zell. A daycare centre without its own outdoor grounds, a neighbouring retirement home that wants to bring generations together and a municipality that wants to create a new space for exercise and socialising for its residents – this is the perfect starting point for getting generations exercising together from now on!

Rapperswil-Jona: The Grünfelspark in the town of RapperswilJona was officially opened on 6 July 2024. It offers something for everyone: table tennis, a pump track, pétanque, street workouts and much more. Each of these exercise areas was professionally organised by the respective clubs and organisations. Due to the hot weather, the interactive fountain that brings people together enjoyed high popularity. Foot pedals and hand cranks set off additional water spouts. Hopp-la was on site with an information stand, explained the generational equipment and put on two Hopp-la demo sessions, which were professionally conducted by qualified exercise coaches.

Stans: The new sports and community park for young and old, which has been undergoing construction north of the motorway over the last six months, is now ready for use. We celebrated the official opening of the Eichli Park with the people of Stans on 24 August.

MANAGING A LARGE NETWORK

Social challenges mean that generations are increasingly leading separate rather than shared lives. A large network and the right partnerships are needed to improve relations between the generations, allow all generations to participate in local projects (such as the design of new open spaces) and get young and old exercising together. Hopp-la is grateful for its network of supporters, specialist organisations, partners and fellow thinkers. The regular dialogue helps us all move forward and creates the conditions for people in our country to exercise more, get together and improve their health.

Hopp-la receives new project enquiries every week; a new project is currently being developed in French-speaking Switzerland and we are often asked for our opinion whenever people have ideas for new projects. Today and in the future, we do our best to provide sound advice and support from start to finish to those who want to help build a Switzerland that brings generations together.

URBAN PROJECT REVITALISES

NEIGHBOURHOOD AND BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER

BÜRSTADT SPORTS AND LEARNING

CAMPUS

Authors: Drees & Sommer, LS², Prosa Architektur & Stadtplanung

Photos: HH Vision, Rahel Welsen

An outdated sports complex in Bürstadt has been transformed into a brand new sports and learning campus. Once fenced off from the surrounding neighbourhoods, the space has now has been opened up and developed into a vibrant part of the community. The comprehensive facilities, including education centres, elite and recreational sports, and areas for free movement and play, have been designed to motivate the entire community to get active. Visitors can take advantage of spaces for soccer, rugby, archery and cycling, alongside a beach volleyball court and calisthenics zones for free training. The development also includes playgrounds and quiet zones for relaxation. All in all, this project sustainably addresses the core goals of climate protection, climate change adaption and integration.

OFFICIAL OPENING 2024

Location

Bürstadt, Germany

Client / Operator

adt Bürstadt and Jugendförderverein Bürstadt

Architects

Drees & Sommer, www.dreso.com

LS², www.lsquadrat.de

Prosa Architektur & Stadtplanung, www.prosa-online.com

Bürstadt is one of the southernmost towns in the state of Hesse. Nestled in a rural setting with a bustling urban core, the community is currently undergoing a significant phase of urban development With almost 18,000 inhabitants and more than 100 local clubs and organisations, this growing town offers its residents an excellent quality of life.

The eastern edge of the town, which just two years ago was still occupied by outdated and derelict sports facilities, crumbling bleachers, and fields repurposed as storage areas, is now home to a modern, multifunctional sports and learning campus that welcomes all generations to participate in physical activity and engage with their local community.

Fully accessible and open to the general public, this sports and learning campus represents a key component of the town’s comprehensive urban development strategy. With a whole host of sports and exercise options on offer, along with excellent conditions for people of all ages to come together in the town’s green spaces, the goal is to encourage physical activity and promote residents’ long-term health and well-being.

In addition to the traditional sports of athletics, football, artistic cycling and archery offered by other local clubs, the aim here was to create multifunctional open spaces for crossover sports and encourage physical activity for everyone. To this end, the facility also includes installations for popular new sports such as parkour and calisthenics, outdoor fitness gear and even a bouldering wall. A real highlight is the addition of Germany’s first public ninja obstacle course. Blending traditional school sports training with a playful twist, the fun sprint track even includes built-in wave sections for everyone to enjoy.

Regular users of the new facility, which is nearly 70,000 m² in size, include over seven different sports clubs, local schools, and soon the movement-oriented nursery that is being built next door. Essentially, the entire campus area has been designed to be suitable for every age group. And since children cannot yet take full advantage of all the facilities and equipment, an age-appropriate play area has been created for them.

THE LEARNING HUB AT THE HEART OF THE SPORTS CAMPUS

The central learning hub offers practical facilities and serves as a meeting place, a communal lounge, and a quiet retreat for all users. At the core is the functional area, which includes changing rooms, sanitary facilities and showers for up to four sports teams, not to mention dedicated spaces for referees, umpires and coaches. A fitness area and storage facilities round out the impressive selection of amenities, along with externally accessible toilets to offer 24/7 availability.

The seminar and sports rooms have been designed to host allday care, sports training and various courses, while the combination of large meeting rooms and a smaller hall allows for

a variety of uses. Some areas can even be partitioned off to provide independent spaces for yoga and gymnastics groups. As for the striking tower area, this accommodates a spacious gym on the ground floor and looks out over all the sports facilities.

The single-storey design of the building allows it to blend seamlessly into the surrounding open space. It stands proudly alongside the playing fields, offering a comfortable indoor vantage point for spectators to enjoy the action. The observation tower on the roof stands as the sole landmark to help visitors navigate the vast facility.

COLLABORATIVE PROCESS FACILITATES AN

The planning processes involved not only the local sports clubs, but also youth centre managers, school representatives, and members of the community across all generations. Their needs were assessed early on through various workshops, site inspections and questionnaires. Working together in this way helped to deepen everyone’s comprehension of the key issues and foster a strong sense of connection with the project. It also provided the basis for planners, policymakers and administrators to make informed and strategic decisions. Local residents

INNOVATIVE

CAMPUS SOLUTION

were particularly impressed by the regular updates shared on the respective planning and construction milestones.

In addition to collaborating with local schools, the campus also works closely with the social agency for extracurricular care and promotes various integration initiatives. The learning hub serves as a meeting place, a communal lounge, and a quiet retreat for all users, providing a space for everyone and promoting much-needed diversity.

ADDRESSING THE DIVERSE NEEDS OF EVERY GENERATION

Sport brings people together, and this accessible facility for exercise and social interaction offers the perfect setting for bridging the gap between generations. The various amenities and programmes on offer encourage local residents to get involved, whether that’s by showcasing their skills, watching the action, copying others or helping out. The main focus is on providing inclusive fitness and recreational sports activities, bringing everyone together regardless of ability, and supporting people’s interests, health and social well-being.

ENSURING LONG -TERM MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP

A shared campus solution such as this requires clearly defined roles to ensure the upkeep of the entire facility. All public areas, such as walkways and green spaces, are maintained by the local authorities. A smart system, including intelligent waste bins, ensures that maintenance tasks can be carried out efficiently without extra travel for the workers. There are also usage agreements in place between the town and the various sports clubs to specify which areas each club is responsible for maintaining.

HIGHEST SUSTAINABILITY STANDARDS

A key component of the sports campus is the meticulously planned energy and sustainability concept. The aim here is to reduce the carbon emissions of the entire area to the level of a single-family home, which is supported by renewable energy sources, a highly efficient heating network, and an intelligent lighting system.

A new management company has been set up to ensure sustainably cost-effective operation of the heating network, which will supply the campus with climate-neutral energy. Nevertheless, the town still retains ownership of this network as the developer. Involving stakeholders early on meant it was possible to develop and implement a financially sustainable concept.

Particular care was taken during the construction phase to ensure that the materials used were recyclable, with wood featuring extensively throughout. The interior walls of the learning hub are made of rammed earth, which regulates the indoor climate without the need for any technical systems. If adjustments become necessary due to demographic changes, the building can be easily reconfigured with simple modifications. In fact, the building can almost be deconstructed and recycled in its entirety.

The state-of-the-art synthetic turf is made primarily from recycled plastic waste and can be recycled again at the end of its lifespan. As for the infill material, this consists of crushed olive stones to prevent the release of microplastics into the environment along with additional filtration systems. The synthetic turf fields undergo regular maintenance using specialist equipment to ensure they stand the test of time despite heavy usage.

Featuring 150 newly planted trees and lush greenery, the campus not only offers excellent amenities for visitors, but also contributes to local biodiversity.

FUNDING FOR THE CONCEPT

Funding such an extensive concept is only possible through partnerships, cooperative support and grants. This project was backed by various funding sources for each respective element, including the state of Hesse, the federal government, BAFA, the Dietmar Hopp Foundation and other contributors. In total, the project has been supported by around ten different funding programs.

1. Youth centre / youth garden 2. Playground

3. Fitness garden

4. Fun running track (120 m)

5. Archery facility 6. Archery hall

7. Large field of play (105 x 68 m) (synthetic turf)

8. Field of play (synthetic turf) 9. Open-air hall 10. Activity kindergarten (new building in preparation) 11. Training area for artistic cycling

Stone throw facility

Educational building

Play spot

Calisthenics / parkour arena

Ninja obstacle course

Sports ground TV Bürstadt (sports turf)

Beach volleyball

Sports ground Eintracht Bürstadt (synthetic turf)

FOCUS ON THE OPEN - AIR HALL IN BÜRSTADT

ONE OF MANY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NEW SPORTS AND LEARNING CAMPUS

Author and photos: SMC2 Sport and Leisure Construction and VINDICO Sport

The new open-air hall on the southern part of the facility is one of many highlights of the awardwinning education and sports campus in Bürstadt in southern Hesse, Germany. It offers a covered multifunctional sports field that can be used all year round in all weather conditions. The openair hall, which was planned and built by SMC2, not only expands the range of exercise options on campus but is also the first of its kind in Hesse.

The hall consists of a wooden structure and a roof with a textile membrane. Thanks to this sustainable construction method, the environmental impact is reduced to a minimum because the wood used for the frame stocks CO2 from the atmosphere and the membrane has a significantly lower CO2 footprint than conventional roof materials made of metal. Compared to a hall made of steel, the construction impresses with its clean environmental balance and attractive architecture. Thanks to the translucence of the membrane, the sports field is always illuminated with daylight – without any glare for the users. As a consequence, the use of LED lighting can be reduced to the evening hours.

The open-air hall is equipped with a multifunctional synthetic sports field, a retractable basketball installation fixed to the hall structure and a court system with integrated goals and ball nets up to the roof. To design the court, SMC2 worked closely with

the leading sports equipment manufacturer from southern Germany, VINDICO Sport. The court elements have a stable framing made of aluminium U-profiles, which – unlike steel – are not susceptible to corrosion and are therefore extremely durable. The court elements along the length of the pitch are attached directly to the wooden posts of the open-air hall, which saves additional foundations and ensures increased stability.

The open-air hall is open to the public, so it is always available to all athletes in Bürstadt. At the same time, it is also used by the local clubs and schools at fixed times, thus reducing the rush on existing sports halls in the area. Club training or sports lessons take place under the roof – well protected from heat, UV radiation, rain, snow or hail. This functionality makes the open-air hall an important component for the climate adaptation of the entire campus. A real benefit for the users, the city and the entire region!

IDEAL FOR SPORTS FACILITIES AND PLAYGROUNDS

ROPE AND NET SOLUTIONS MADE OF STAINLESS STEEL

BY CARL STAHL ARCHITEKTUR

Author: Carl Stahl Architektur, www.carlstahl-architektur.com

Photos: archerimagery.com.au (Wellington playground)

Aesthetics in harmony with safety: as a specialist in stainless steel rope and net solutions, Carl Stahl Architektur claims to shape the future of urban spaces and create places where people can be active.

Design elements integrated into X-TEND nets provide shading, UV protection, and decorations for play and sports areas. Whether horizontal, vertical, or three-dimensional: X-TEND ensures optimal safety.

Especially in urban areas with limited space, our nets are indispensable, ideal for play areas on flat roofs. With eco-friendly materials and customizable options, X-TEND contributes to a healthier urban environment.

Learn more about the versatile applications and impressive features of our X-TEND stainless steel protective nets on our website. Visit us now and design your spaces safely and stylishly.

#ActivateUrbanSpaces

Stability, durability & flexibility

UV and weather resistant

Non-flammable

Lightweight

High load capacity

GRANDSTAND SYSTEM FOR SHANGHAI

Avant Sports has been the grandstand supplier for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, 2016 Rio Olympics, 2010 Singapore Youth Olympics, 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

In May, Avant Sports completed four venue contributions for three projects of the Paris Olympic Qualification Series-Shanghai Stop including freestyle BMX, Skate and Break dance, which has contributed to the successful hosting of the Paris Olympic Games.

Nearly 6,000 grandstand seats installed in the four venues were equipped with an efficient and environment-friendly prefabri cated metal grandstand system. The prefabricated assembly method is adopted to ensure the efficient assembly and installation, and the container is designed to improve the loading and unloading efficiency.

With a great number of polygonal structures in the skateboard bowl and break dance grandstands, each part has a variable deformation, which is a "non-standard structural part". Avant Sports carries out modular processing when designing. Through standardized operations, we guarantee the convenient installation for special-shaped structures, which greatly improves the efficiency of assembly and construction. Only 45 days were reserved from the initial design to the final acceptance of the prefabricated metal grandstand systems of the above-mentioned four venues. The four venues were started, designed, produced and constructed almost simultaneously, and were ultimately delivered perfectly on schedule.

CALISTHENICS FACILITIES BY TURNBΛR®

Whether for the planning of sports fields, play and movement areas in urban spaces, residential complexes, or the utilization of rooftop areas, TURNBAR’s concept allows for a great deal of individuality and can be flexibly configured. The planning service takes into account the user group, spatial conditions, the available budget, and potential funding opportunities for the individual and creative implementation of sports areas, which can be subsequently supplemented or adapted to changing needs at any time.

The offering is complemented by low-threshold active furniture, which can be placed in parks or small spaces such as alongside running tracks and serves as multifunctional urban furniture for health training or comfortable seating.

Only TURNBAR can do this: Prevention concepts according to §20 SGB V. Under the Prevention Act (§20 SGB V), all legally insured individuals can participate in recognized prevention courses, the costs of which can be covered up to 100% by health insurance companies. TURNBAR outdoor sports facilities provide the perfect foundation for this health promotion with their unique 360° TURNBAR outdoor prevention concepts. This is a unique feature, as such courses must be reviewed and certified by the ZPP (Zentrale Prüfstelle Prävention).

Thus, TURNBAR not only offers safe and stable sports facilities for public spaces but also reaches a larger target group, creates more usage opportunities, and makes a real contribution to health promotion.

Avant Sports Industrial Co., Ltd. www.avantseating.com

TURNBΛR® - Eiden & Wagner Metallbau GmbH www.turnbar.net

Photo: Avant Sports

Photo: TURNBΛR®

MORE THAN JUST SAFETY AND PROTECTION

With our ELTECPUR® product range, consisting of elastic slabs for fall protection, for the design of sports and leisure areas as well as the matching accessories, a wide variety of areas or play landscapes can be designed.

The protection and safety of children and recreational athletes are key issues and are our absolute priority. Our elastic slabs fulfil the requirements for fall protection up to a fall height of 3.10 m. They also fulfil the requirements for environmental compatibility and health protection.

ELTECPUR® fall protection tiles are used wherever safe play areas need to be created. In courtyards and terraces, a playground can be installed on the existing surface, thus enhancing the area. Bright and colourful surfaces can also be laid using EPDM slabs. As in the case of the integrative daycare centre in Berlin, for example, where a bright yellow surface invites children to play and run around.

With over 30 years of experience, we produce and sell elastic products made from recycled materials, making our products particularly sustainable and resource-friendly.

We would be happy to talk to you at GaLaBau in Nuremberg, Germany. We have the right idea and solution for your project. You will find us at stand 1-534.

INNOVATIVE POLYMER FLOORING

AQUASOFT-EX is an innovative polymer flooring for splash park areas, long lasting, with anti-slip properties and variety of colours and designs, with high elasticity, providing safety, and with resistance to aggressive chemicals. Our flooring solution is specifically designed to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages. With a focus on durability and performance, our flooring system can withstand the high traffic and water exposure associated with splash park areas.

The textured, anti-slip surface ensures maximum grip, even when wet, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Moreover, our system is resistant to aggressive chemicals, such as chlorine, commonly used in water treatment, ensuring a long lifespan for your investment.

AQUASOFT-EX is certified according to EN 14877 Synthetic Surfaces for Outdoor Sports Areas, ASTM F925-13 for Resistance to Chemicals, EN 12616 for Water Permeability, EN 20105 for Colour Stability, EN 14836 for UVA Resistance, and according to ISO 22196 for the Determination of Antibacterial Activity of Treated Articles.

With a wide range of colours and designs to choose from, you can create a unique and engaging environment that complements any splash park's theme and aesthetic.

Whether you're designing a new splash park or renovating an existing one, our innovative flooring solutions are the perfect choice for creating a fun, safe, and sustainable environment that will delight visitors for years to come.

Photo:

KDF

Photo: HET

ALL GOOD WITH CALI360° FROM PLAYPARC

The outdoor professionals at PLAYPARC are expanding their fitness portfolio with the innovative Cali360° system. The new Calisthenics system is characterized by stable and unbreakable round posts. It offers flexible options for designing calisthenics parks. Thanks to the consistent use of modern CNC technology, the Cali360° systems are connected to each other at all angles, increasing the already extremely high level of flexibility even further. The round poles are available in all desired colours.

From now on, all calisthenics parks manufactured with solar power in Bad Driburg, East Westphalia, are also available on request in the new Cali360° version with round posts, such as the “Beyond” system with included 2-level dips bars in Aachen.

In the future, the Cali360° system can also be used to expand the design and functionality of existing facilities or to develop new fitness equipment according to customer requirementsalways optimally adapted to the available space. Thanks to the Calix360° system, it no longer matters whether the equipment is docked onto round or square posts - it is also possible to replace a square post with a round post. The first-class quality of the materials and workmanship of all PLAYPARC products guarantee a long service life, stability and safety for decades - far beyond the extended 10-year warranty.

PLAYPARC is once again setting new standards in the design of modern fitness facilities with Cali360°, providing another robust, sustainable and aesthetically attractive solution for more fitness and exercise outdoors.

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 internatio nal 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.

Toldos Serrano SL www.tatamsport.com

Photo: TatamSport

Photo: PLAYPARC

MAKING URBAN SPACES VANDAL-PROOF

Graffiti and physical damage are two main methods of vandalism that affect outdoor sports equipment.

Strategies that urban planners could use to decrease and avoid vandalism include community engagement, environmental design, or educational and legal approaches.

Vandalism impacts public and residential spaces, schools, or sports clubs that are unsupervised, and while it may not be possible to eliminate it completely, the use of vandal-proof sports equipment can help to minimise the damage.

In Lausin y Vicente, we manufacture a comprehensive range of vandal resistant sports equipment, such as multisport goals, basketball goals and handball goals, which are durable and require low maintenance.

The picture above shows our anti-vandalism handball goal, designed for public placement in outdoor recreational play parks and courts. This goal complies with European regulations (UNE EN 749) and is made from 80 x 80 x 2mm steel profile. The whole structure is hot dip galvanized and can be supplied in silver colour or painted to specification as required. Lausín y Vicente S.L. www.lausinyvicente.com

X-TEND CABLE MESH FOR URBAN SPACES

We are helping to shape the future of urban spaces and create places where people can be active! #ActivateUrbanSpaces with innovative solutions from X-TEND for sports facilities and playgrounds.

Our X-TEND stainless steel safety nets impress with their stability, durability and flexibility. They are non-flammable and absolutely UV and weather resistant. In addition, design elements installed in the X-TEND mesh offer the possibility of realising shading and UV protection as well as identity-creating decorations on play and sports areas.

X-TEND can be used horizontally and vertically as well as three-dimensionally and ensures safety for games and sports - even where space is at a premium in cities, such as retrofitted playing fields with X-TEND netting on flat roofs. The low dead weight in relation to the load-bearing capacity enables filigree systems with large spans. Balls fly silently into the net without deforming or damaging it.

With environmentally friendly materials, space-saving designs and customisable options, X-TEND contributes to a healthier and more vibrant urban environment.

Tested safety through ETA-22/0257

Thanks to our ETA certification of the European Technical Assessment, we offer independently tested quality recognised by the building authorities - valid throughout the EU. The X-TEND cable mesh is therefore technically defined and statically calculable for vertical and horizontal fall protection. From railing infills and facade protection to greenery and three-dimensional cable net structures for zoo enclosures and aviaries - X-TEND can be used for a wide range of architectural projects.

Carl Stahl ARC GmbH www.carlstahl-architektur.com

Photo:

Photo: Lausín y Vicente

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 (sorted alphabetically)

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

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

» Indoor sports floorings

» Mobile floorings, cover systems

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

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

» Indoor equipment

» Sports ground equipment

» Testing, quality assurance

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

» Drainage systems

» Sports ground construction

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

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

» Indoor sports floorings

» Multi-sport courts

» Outdoor sports floorings

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

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Fitness equipment

» Playground equipment

» Outdoor sports floorings

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

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

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

IST – Institut für Sportbodentechnik 04416 Markkleeberg, Germany mario-kunze@gmx.net www.sportboden-leipzig.de

» Testing, quality assurance

KDF - Kataskeves Dapedon Ltd. 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece exports@kdf.gr www.kdf.gr

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Indoor sports floorings

» Multi-sport courts

» Outdoor sports floorings

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

» Testing, quality assurance

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

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

» Consulting

» Fitness centres

» Pools and aquatic facilities

» Architecture & design

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

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

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

» Testing, quality assurance

LIKE-ICE Science GmbH 84069 Schierling, Germany info@like-ice.com www.like-ice.com

» Ice hockey boards

» Mobile floorings, cover systems

» Outdoor sports floorings

Max Rosenau, Marketing rosenau@iaks.sport

Silke Bardenheuer, Member services bardenheuer@iaks.sport

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

» Landscape design

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

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

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

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

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

» Aquatic construction

» Aquatic equipment

» Sports hall construction

» 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

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

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

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

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

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

» Architecture and design

» Landscape design

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

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

sb 4/2024

International magazine for sports, leisure and recreational facilities

Editorial board and publisher IAKS

International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities

Eupener Straße 70 50933 Cologne, Germany

Phone +49 (0) 221 16 80 23-0

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

Subscription price 2024

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

Secretary General with overall responsibility

Klaus Meinel meinel@iaks.sport

Marketing

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

Graphic design

Victoria Page page@iaks.sport

+49(0)221 168023-12

Editorial board

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

Marketing

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

Subscriptions

Alexia Chrissanthopoulou chrissanthopoulou@iaks.sport +49(0)221 168023-14

For advertisement prices, see 2024 Media Data.

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

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.

UPCOMING ISSUE

SUSTAINABILITY

Date of publication: 30.10.2024

Photo: RoadLight; pixabay

SUBSCRIBE NOW AND ENJOY A YEAR FULL OF INSPIRING ARCHITECTURE!

“sb“ showcases exemplary architecture, spectrum of innovations, products and services from the leisure centre, sports facility, swimming pool and wellness sector Six issues per year. Annual subscription at EUR 85 including shipping.

EDITORIAL PROGRAMME 2024

1/2024 SPORTS HALLS AND ARENAS

2/2024 STADIA AND SPORTS GROUNDS

3/2024 AQUATIC AND WELLNESS FACILITIES

4/2024 ACTIVATING URBAN SPACES

5/2024 SUSTAINABILITY

6/2024 ACTIVE COMMUNITIES

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