Masonry Magazine April 2009 Page. 31
Solid, and Light Versus Shadow (Intuitive) Elements
Solid, and light versus shadow (intuitive) elements combine to provide a facility fully contextual in its campus setting and uniquely capable of introducing natural daylight into its interior when appropriate. Deeply recessed expanses of glass at all four corners permit natural light to spill into the arena without the problems created by direct sunlight.
Masonry's Role
Similar masonry was carefully selected in an effort to integrate the new facility into the campus context. The use of brick also provides scale and warmth to an otherwise monumental building. On a field of Anaconda colored brick, a pattern composed in Ironstone Smooth and Walnut Velour adds visual interest. Soldier courses and a dotting of bricks laid in relief create texture.
Large clear spans require a structure of significant depth. This depth is expressed on the exterior in a lightweight metal enclosure adding a powerful and appropriately scaled "top" to the building. Visitors enter at grade through a large glass exposure lobby. The same brick used on the exterior is applied to the interior of the lobby, creating a unique space that runs the entire length of the center, accommodating large group interaction before and after events and during intermissions.
Masonry-clad cylindrical forms at either end of the building create a striking profile and house high-capacity stairs. Spectators enter the building at the midway point of the seating array and can take these stairs up or down to their seat location. The cylinders extend all the way around to the interior, bringing the masonry inside the arena. Lockers, the athletic training center, press/conference space, offices, equipment storage and the loading dock are located on the same level as the arena floor, thereby making access direct and convenient. The arena serves as the competition venue for the CSU Intercollegiate Basketball and Volleyball Programs. It can be quickly converted to a variety of non-athletic events including student assemblies, lectures, concerts, weddings, banquets and conferences. Furthermore, the center will host Olympic exhibition basketball games if Chicago wins the 2016 bid. IMAS
A solid new look. Making the bright choice has never been easier.
Starting in spring 2009, all Lafarge cement bags in North America will be changing to a distinctive and uniform design. New look, same great products! Visit us online for details. www.newcementbags.com