Scunthorpe Sports Academy, Andrew Wright Associates, S&P North Lincolnshire Architects with Buro Happold
Scunthorpe Sports Academy, Andrew Wright Associates, S&P North Lincolnshire Architects with Buro Happold
A hybrid performative modelling approach by Buro Happold’s SMART softwares was integrated in the Scunthorpe Sports Academy. Parametric modelling allowed the soft parameters of this structure to be dynamically explored and sensitively explored whilst separating the ‘hard’ from ‘soft’ constraints. As multiple design requirements such as structural performance, fabrication, aesthetics had to be satisfied, this approach was beneficial as it combines constraints with requirements. The uniform accuracy of calculations in relation to the model contributes to optimal user interaction.
The design philosophy of Scunthorpe Sports Academy aims to enlighten the concept of sports or leisure buildings to signal promising manifestation of influential, well-engineered responses of harmonizing with the environment. It is successful in creating an architectural interpretation of developing community connection, engagement and participation. Hence, the ‘rolling’ effect where the envelope serves to unify and maintain visual contact across the building. The design embraces a sustainable approach to the landscape, aiding in the enhancement of biodiversity and preventing floods. Through insulation in an airtight envelope, it has achieved reduction in energy consumption and promotes itself as a highly energy efficient building.
Scunthorpe Sports Academy is exemplary of integrated performative geometry. The undulating composition of the sports academy is constructed of interlinking geodesic timber shells optimised to adapt rational form. A gentle dome and partially vegetated shell structures reflect a transitional sequence in the use materials, starting with glass and steel at the entrance then timber, followed by sedum and membrane. Glulam timber members of different lengths are linked to galvanised steel nodes at different angles and triangulated joint lines distribute structural forces.
This hybrid performative modelling approach by Buro Happold’s SMART softwares should be integrated into the expression of interest proposal as it manages to optimise user interaction and balance soft and hard constraints with design requirements. This design tool encourages the engagement of the user with the programme, allowing the designer to mould and engage in active interaction with analysis geometry and design properties. As a modelling tool, where it is impossible to perform processes on a physical model, it is competent in computational approaches in areas of visualisation and manipulating abstract properties. This approach is true in its form by establishing itself as a design tool than merely focusing on generating the results; preserving the design intent whilst performing.
Scunthorpe Sports Academy, North Lincolnshire. Source <http://www.worldbuildingsdirectory.com/project.cfm?id=3757> Source <http://www.smart-solutions-network.com/photo/albums/scunthorpe-sports-academy> Source <http://www.tekla.com/uk/solutions/references/Pages/the-podssport-academy.aspx>
Scunthorpe Sports Academy, North Lincolnshire. Source <http://www.worldbuildingsdirectory.com/project.cfm?id=3757> Source <Castle, H. 2012. “Special Issue: Material Computation: Higher Integration in Morphogenetic Design.” Architectural Design, 82 (2), 5.
Architecture As A Discourse
Architecture As A Discourse