'Modern sports hall is multifunctional and part of the environment'

Versatile and aimed at various target groups are two important characteristics of modern sports halls, say architects Jan Bosch and Jo Jongen of AGS Architects. As such, they design sports halls that have to meet very different requirements than in the past.

Everyone should be able to go there, students from the nearby school as well as a variety of sports clubs. And if the neighborhood seeks shelter for an event, the sports hall must be an alternative. "This is why today's sports hall is a multifunctional building, flexible and divisible and an integral part of the environment. Transparent and inviting too. And, of course, built according to the latest sustainability principles," Jan Bosch makes clear. He refers to the now completed sports accommodation in Ede as a good example of a transparent, multifunctional and socially oriented building. "Both education and various sports associations make use of it. There is an extensive catering facility and, thanks to a fitness track with obstacle course that runs from outside to inside via stairs, the sports hall is emphatically embedded in its surroundings." It is, he says, a very transparent building, with plenty of light and views. The building's orange-red removable cladding changes under the influence of the sun to create a dynamic whole in image and use.

Opportunities
Jo Jongen explains that AGS Architects has designed many sports halls over the years. Therefore, the firm's strength is that it can fall back on a solid sports technical knowledge combined with a critical and creative approach. "We try to discover opportunities that increase the possibilities for an even better final result, functionally, aesthetically as well as financially. We do this by applying our expertise as broadly as possible." He points out that contracts can generally go through two lines. "For example, through integrated contracts - where the responsibility for design and execution lies with the contractor/developer. This gives the client certainty about the design and construction costs at an early stage. We also realize multifunctional sports buildings in the traditional way. First making a design and then tendering with a technical design and specifications. It is then always exciting whether contractors are willing to realize the design for the available budget."

The sports facility in Ede is a good example of a transparent, multifunctional and socially oriented building.

Minimal environmental impact
As an example of the latter approach, Jan Bosch cites the design and realization of a sports hall in Zwolle. "In that project, which is in the preparation phase, the choice was made to select a contractor on the basis of a final design so that there is certainty about the construction costs at an early stage and the contractor can think along in optimizing the execution methods. One of the ambitions of the client of this project is to significantly reduce the environmental impact. Therefore, for example, a wooden support structure was chosen - which is quite unique. Compared to steel, this means a 75 percent reduction in environmental impact. The facade material and wall cladding also contribute to this. The exterior of the building also pays close attention to sustainability. For example, rainwater is stored completely water-neutral and there is a lot of attention to greenery and planting to combat heat stress." As in Ede, he says, the outdoor space is part of the design and multifunctional for parking and outdoor sports.

Thus, each hall has its own characteristics, Bosch and Jongen conclude. "With every design task, we look for innovative concepts, inspired by the ambitions of the users. Above all, we want to realize a building with meaning, future-proof and embedded in society."