7 minute read
Eddie Thomas | Pro Media Audio Video EU
grounds in general - is that it has evolved organically from a very old site, so that was something to always consider. The MCC has been particularly strong patrons of modern architecture and we were appointed through a limited competition to replace quite an austere pair of stands. With the exposed upper tier and obstructed views in the lower, we were told stories of St. John’s Ambulance handing out sunblock to those in the upper and foil blankets to those in the lower – it was those kind of extremes. “The big challenge for us was the setting of these new stands, but we had a very strong, singular concept of a balanced design either side of the media centre – and that really sustained itself from the very early days. There was very little change in terms of the form and the silhouette of this concept. Of course, there was refinement as we went through the process of understanding the constraints and the emerging brief, but that concept maintained throughout.” The steel mainframe of the new stands feature large identifiable columns and double-height colonnades, which references the rhythms of the original brick arches of the adjacent Mound Stand arcade, while the roof canopies complement the subtle curvature and form of the design while creating a distinctive silhouette. The canopy is made up of a combination of white-painted radiating steel ribs, a visible timber supporting shell on the underside and a white fabric skin. Its design provides a subtle contrast to the futuristic, aluminium J.P. Morgan Media Centre, while corresponding to the tent-like forms of the Mound Stand’s fabric roof, alluding to a sporting typology. The original white and grey seating is set in light grey concrete terracing, divided by glazed bands which mark out the premier seating and restaurants and the J.P. Morgan hospitality suites, echoing the Grand Stand and Mound Stand elevation. Jim Eyre, Director at WilkinsonEyre, added: “The shape of the media centre means that if you built right up to it at full height, you would really crowd it out. A shape like that needs space around it and there was quite a lot of accommodation to fit in. So, the question for us was how do you do that – and I think the two ideas really go well together as it’s all about the sightlines.” Both stands are designed to be open and spacious, with clear open stairs, access walkways and wayfinding, improving accessibility and crowd circulation. A bridge connects the
two main hospitality lounges, linking the stands for the first time, while introducing impressive dual aspect views of the pitch and Nursery Ground. A permeable two-storey arcade opens up the stands’ outward facing elevations. Together, the stands improve the east-facing frontage of the ground and present a new identity from the North and East Gate entrances. Permeability was of huge importance, as Sam explained further: “One thing that was requested was to maintain a view of the trees in the church grounds beyond Wellington Road for the members in the pavilion. So, permeability was really important, not just in terms of the shoulders between the media centre and the new stands, but also in breaking up those horizontal tiers.” The design and construction of the Compton and Edrich stands also had to consider the site itself. Sam furthered: “There is actually a two metre different from one end of the pitch to the other at Lord’s. Not only did we have to balance the transition as we tried to marry the stands together, but we had to look closely at the space planning for the bars, toilets and facilities under the tiers. “Also, the Edrich stand has a smaller footprint that the Compton, so we had to balance the geometry – we didn’t want to impact the field of play and needed to maintain alignment between the stands. But, at the same time, each stand has its own individuality – as I mentioned earlier, with historic cricket grounds, it’s a series of pavilions with their own features and idiosyncrasies.” Jim added: “There’s this sort of overarching sense of symmetry in the way that the media centre is pretty much directly opposite the historic pavilion. This is hugely important, as this is what the members are looking at – the media centre and the two new stands need to present a degree of symmetry and I think that emerged well in the final design.” A key requirement for the project was a coherent design and construction strategy. This procedure had to embrace the refined aesthetic identity and broad user-friendliness of the new stands, while delivering the client’s ambition to complete the first phase – demolition and replacement superstructure – within a six-month, off-season period. This deadline was intended to ensure that the stands could be used to watch The Hundred. Following the outbreak of Covid-19, this approach had to be modified, however, site construction continued throughout and the stands were ready for use ahead of the 2021 cricket season. It was important to maintain the architectural vision, which included circulation spaces on a constrained site that has interfaces with adjacent structures. Below ground, limitations included existing foundations and a shallow Thames Water tunnel. Buro Happold worked closely with WilkinsonEyre and the wider project team during the concept design stage, developing a range of options to fulfil the architectural intent while addressing site constraints. The primary aim of the design was to develop an integrated solution that complemented WilkinsonEyre’s proposal, creating open, flexible spaces for optimal spectator experience. The proposed solutions met the requirements, while maximising the opportunity to standardise structural components, facilitate prefabrication and enable off-site construction. At the beginning of the project, it was anticipated that the new stands would be a concrete structure. Buro Happold undertook significant constructional analysis to understand the benefits of other materials, and found that using steel construction would dramatically improve efficiency, allowing
the stands to be built far quicker than through concrete construction. Consulting on 14 disciplines throughout the project, the Buro Happold team proved uniquely capable of co-creating outcome-focused solutions to complex engineering problems without compromising function or form. Steve Macey, Project Director at Buro Happold, said: “We wanted to ensure that Lord’s remains the best place in the world to watch and play cricket. The distinguished ground is loved by fans around the world, so the design of the new Compton and Edrich stands needed to recognise that and, quite simply, be exceptional. “The new designs convey the character and quality expected of a world-class sporting venue that will now significantly enhance the spectator experience and provide exceptional, modern facilities expected by a global fan-base. It’s fantastic to finally see fans returning once again to the Home of Cricket and enjoy the matches from the new stands.” Zoe Price, Chief Operating Officer for ISG’s UK Construction business, added: “The sensitive redevelopment and extension of the Compton and Edrich stands at the Home of Cricket owes much of its success to an approach rooted in teamwork and collaboration – something countless generations of fans have witnessed on the pitch at Lord’s. Enabling the theatre and spectacle of live cricket to be experienced and enjoyed by many more fans is a key legacy of a project that has successfully navigated the complex challenges of building a sympathetic yet forward looking infrastructure improvement
within an iconic global sporting venue.” “We wanted to create a heightened sense of sporting theatre for the new Compton & Edrich stands,” Sam concluded. “Allowing many more fans to share the match action, they have already become an instantly recognisable backdrop around the globe following the dramatic India Test and the hugely successful inaugural The Hundred finals. Rapid adoption by this famous club’s ground’s loyal members and ground visitors is testament to the strength of the concept.” Jim also added: “This has been a wonderful project to which we have been able to bring our skills and experience to bear in designing great new facilities for enjoying cricket in this iconic setting.” Discussing the new stands, Guy Lavender, MCC Chief Executive & Secretary, said: “We have received some wonderful comments about the new stands and seeing them filled with cricket supporters on match days was a very pleasing scene. With increased capacity and accessibility, and excellent facilities spectators sitting in these stands are treated to an unforgettable experience at Lord’s. “The stands are a great achievement and an important part in future-proofing the ground and it is with thanks to the MCC Committee and project team who have seen the project through to its completion.”
