The contextual stadium utilizing the ballpark as an urban catalyst /

by McDonald, John P.

The stadium, since its inception, holds distinct characteristics that define it as an architectural type. However to meet future societal requirements the type must continue to evolve. Initially, the objective of the stadium was to support the mass viewing of sport. Today, spectators as well as societal and cultural needs not only establish a design program, but also determine if the construction of the stadium is warranted. Despite the stadium’s evolution, the issues of context are addressed superficially. Integration of the stadium into the surrounding urban fabric is critical to the success of the stadium. This thesis will generate a design solution for a multi-use baseball stadium in an urban area. It will address the design at two scales: the facility itself and its relation to the surrounding urban area. New design principles and elements will be introduced with the goal to maintain the activity of the stadium year round.