Green structural systems for stadium construction
Master thesis by Björn Siegmund
[Excerpt]
Abstract
This thesis examines the topic of green structural systems for stadium construction. The aim is to explore new possibilities for providing innovative greening solutions in response to the increasing densification of our cities. Urbanised landscapes and the associated decline in green spaces are leading to a reduction in biodiversity and an increase in heat islands in our cities. This means that the warming caused by climate change will be particularly noticeable in our cities. Whilst the temperature is set to rise by up to 2°C globally due to climate change, it will increase by up to 5°C in cities. This necessitates a rethink in urban development. Green architecture can contribute to cooling and sustainable urban development. It offers the advantage of further densifying our cities whilst simultaneously providing added value in the form of green spaces for flora, fauna and people.
Throughout history, green spaces have been increasingly squeezed out of urban areas. Building land has always been in short supply, and so there is a constant trend towards densification in order to make way for new buildings to accommodate a growing population. Our cities are growing. Whether upwards or outwards, both approaches reduce the space available for plants and animals. Industrialisation is complete in most Western countries. Industrial facilities are being progressively dismantled and energy production will be green in the future. Industrialisation is complete in most Western countries. Industrial facilities are being progressively dismantled and energy production will be green in the future. Industrialised nations are increasingly evolving from an industrial society into an information and knowledge society. Decarbonisation and digitalisation will drastically change the future economy and way of life.
However, this also offers new opportunities and potential for the city of tomorrow. Awareness of green infrastructure is growing. In future, people will no longer be tied to cities. Digitalisation will enable people to share in the economic success of cities even in rural areas. This will take the pressure off cities, and the cities of tomorrow will have different priorities. They will continue to evolve into spaces connected to nature. Whereas green spaces were displaced in the past, the future will see nature reclaiming its place in our cities. This work demonstrates how such a development might look, using the stadium as an example. The stadium of tomorrow will not only be used commercially but will also serve as a recreational space for the surrounding population. It can be understood as a green oasis for plants and animals, within which people move.
Concept
The concept involves integrating natural plant growth into the supporting structure. At the same time, the weight of the growing medium has a positive effect on the structure. The cantilevered arms, filled with growing medium, allow the spaces between them to be designed to let light through. Over time, the entire cantilever will be entwined by climbing plants, so that the vegetation forms a symbiosis with the structure. The cantilever will, in time, become a living piece of architecture. Animals and plants will settle on it, and this living architecture will serve as a recreational space for people when the stadium is not in use.