The design concept is meant to reflect the resting of a series of petals, which continue the slope of the gentle hills towards the Mediterranean, characteristic of the environmental morphology of the Lemesos region of Cyprus.
The Architectural Brief: Closed arena for team sports and other events with seating for 6500 spectators. Dedicated athletic halls for Weight Lifting, Boxing, Martial Arts, Squash, and Rhythmic and Olympic Gymnastics. VIP facilities. Media areas. Press Center and Conference facilities. Public cafeteria, concessions for spectators and athletes.
Design Goals An efficient user-friendly design encompassing all the demands of the architectural brief.
The harmonic integration of the architectural language of these demands within an environmentally sensitive site.
The creation, of a dynamic architectural language that projects a distinct visual and symbolic identity for the sports fans and people of Lemesos.
Athletic Halls The clear alignment of the four athletic halls and three squash courts in the below grade level around the circumference and same level as the main arena, allows the easy movement of athletes between all athletic halls and the changing rooms. Public circulation to separate spectator seating for the athletic halls is at the mezzanine level three meters above affording unobstructed visibility into these spaces. Thus a separation of athletes from spectators is achieved, allowing them to circulate with ease to all the athletic halls. The public enters into this lower mezzanine level, by way of broad open stairs on axis with the main southern entrance and northern entrance. Wheelchair access is by elevator which connects all five levels of the building.
Press Center The Press Center and its related spaces is located on both sides of the main entrance so that the southwestern section, namely the conference room, can also be used as an exhibition space with immediate access from the main entrance. There is additional press accommodation for special events below the VIP seating section of the main arena.
Main Entrance The main entrance is through a multi level atrium with the press center located on the right, the large conference room administrative offices on the left, the VIP areas above, and the press boxes at the highest level.
VIP Areas The VIP areas have a separate entrance foyer leading directly to the VIP lounge and bar with views into the main arena, the entrance atrium and the city of Lemesos in the distance.
Media Areas The media areas are at the top level of the building along with the communications and security center and are accessed by a separate entrance foyer and elevator.
Visibility The design of the seating around the arena allows maximum visibility without obstruction from columns. VIP seating and the press have privileged visibility.
Security Public turnstile entrances are located at the north and south entrances of the Athletic Center affording the separation of fans of opposing teams. Public exits are located at the four corners and in the north and south wings for the speedy evacuation of the entire building in accordance with regulations. There are also four additional emergency exits clearly visible in all four corners connected to the changing rooms and the mezzanine public level, in accordance with fire safety regulations. The press and VIPs have a separate emergency exit.
Public Accommodation The bathroom areas of the spectators are located under the arena seating and on the mezzanine. Concession stands for spectators are located in clearly visible positions in the four corners of the main arena. The cafeteria occupies the entire western wing with views of Lemesos, adjacent green areas and into the main arena.
Bioclimatic Design The orientation, along primary north south axis offers a bioclimatic design with the extensive cantilevering of the canopy towards the west allowing the entry of natural light in the winter while blocking it in the summer. When a complete blackout is required for special events or to control solar gain, computer controlled louvers are set into motion.
Parking Public parking is located to the south of the building and is terraced as a response to the natural slope of the site. Sufficient parking spaces are reserved for the handicapped near and at the same level as the main entrance. Bus parking for fans of opposing teams is separate near the building and access road. The VIPs and press have the convenience of parking either in the underground parking or adjacent to the main entrance. In the basement level secure parking is provided for athletes’ buses, coaches, referees, other key personnel, and AV media crews (OB-Van).
Structural System The entire superstructure except for the canopy is of in situ reinforced concrete. The independent below grade athletic halls consist of clear spans of 20m x 20m. The multi layered metal roof canopy consists of trapezoidal insulated sandwich panels perforated on their underside providing acoustic absorption., This system which also conceals steel support purloins, rest on a one way grid of cellular beams which in turn are supported by primary steel trusses . These trusses over two meters in height, rest on four fair face concrete columns spaced 55 meters apart at the corners of the main arena. Thus totally unobstructed views are provided for all spectators. These primary trusses also incorporate catwalks for the regulating and maintenance of the main AV systems and arena lighting.
Mechanical / Electrical The substation, auxiliary generator, and boiler room are located at the end of the basement parking area and the coolers in an outdoor enclosed space at the northern most corner of the building site. Mechanical rooms are located on the lower level and serve the athletic halls and changing rooms. The arena is serviced by the four concealed corner AHU’S at the entrance level from which primary HVAC ducts lead into the primary truss system. The entire building is air-conditioned.
Lighting and Sound Flood lighting and sound systems are arrayed within the canopy and integrated with the support systems of the main arena and all the athletic halls.
