Embracing Dual Perspectives
The Indoor Sports Arena at KLE Technological University, crafted by Thirdspace Architecture Studio, embodies a unique duality—balancing urban dynamism with tranquil greens. Facing a bustling city road on one side and opening to the serene campus on the other, the design navigates conflicting viewpoints to create a harmonious architectural statement.
Integrating with the Surroundings
Nestled within the university campus, the arena gracefully descends into the ground from the campus side while maintaining a striking presence facing the cityscape. This sectional shift allows seamless integration with the landscape, emphasizing the building’s bold architectural identity while preserving campus views and green spaces.
Dialogue Between Built Form and Nature
The architectural language of the arena underscores its dialogue with nature. A pyramidal steel roof crowns the central courts, while a green roof envelops the periphery, blurring boundaries between structure and landscape. Plazas and pathways extend the campus fabric into and around the facility, fostering interaction and engagement.
Communal Space and Interaction
Beyond its utilitarian function, the arena serves as a communal space, inviting interaction and engagement. Through careful integration of plazas, pathways, and gardens, it blurs the lines between interior and exterior, transcending its role as a mere sports facility to become a vibrant hub for the community.
Architectural Expression
Externally, the building commands attention with its zinc cladding and glass facade, rising with grandeur from the ground. Yet, playful undertones and intimate corners hint at a more inviting interior. As sunlight plays upon its zinc skin, the arena casts dramatic hues, symbolizing its complex role as a hyper-urban entity in harmony with its surroundings.
