MANICA Architecture is an architectural firm that prides itself in its ability to combine large scale international design experiences with the personal touch and creative expertise of a small studio. They focus on early intervention and providing comprehensive design solutions including master planning, architecture, interiors, and design consultation. Led by the company namesake, David Manica, they specialize in designing entertainment and sports-based venues. Architect Manica has a stellar collection of completed works under his belt – done both as an individual as well as practising under other banners, including the new Wembley Stadium and Beijing National Stadium. He believes that innovating functionality will pave the way to successful building design. MANICA is dedicated to ensuring that all of its clients are given personal attention and unparalleled expertise.
One of their upcoming projects – The Shantou Sport Park and Hotel – offers great promise in the field of architecture and design. The project was designed as one component of the expansion plan of the existing Shantou University. The 50,000 square meter Sports and Entertainment Park, includes several different facilities, including a multi-use arena, a natatorium with a competitive Olympic swimming pool, a flexible grand conference hall, sports and fitness training facilities along with separate accommodation facilities of a 200 room boutique hotel and an underground car parking.
Each of these facilities is designed to function independently, but what is truly impressive about the design is how these components work with each other and create a unique destination that integrates the campus, community and the surrounding region.
The design is built on a SEED concept which has the potential to change the way the stadiums are designed for major national or international events. Stadiums for Evolving Economic Development concept – or SEED, has been developed by the team at MANIC as a part of an evolution of research and development ideas aimed at creating more successful legacy conversions for major stadium events. In the words of the architect himself “Most legacy conversions try to figure out what to do with a stadium once it’s no longer needed for a major event. The innovation of the SEED concept is that it works first toward the legacy solution as a starting point, and then reverse engineers it.” The concept is developed on the core of benefitting the city and its citizenry. Often stadiums end up being used as social housing, hotels, conference facilities, office and retail, parking, theatres, parks or even terraced urban gardens. The SEED concept encapsulates all these functions into one building unit and then extends the functionality to a major stadium.
The campus draws inspiration from a number of international architects – including a library designed by Ray Chen, the founder of Ray Chen International and Ray Chen + Partners Architects. He has been integral in influencing the minimalist movement in Taiwan. Ray Chen believes in the principle of stylizing simplicity, using basic materials and simple elevations, by using light and shadow to create the gradation of brightness and darkness, his spaces are rich without being monotonous or dull. The site also includes an innovative new research and medical facility by Herzog & de Meuron (of the Horizontal Skyscraper fame) ; a new campus park and bell tower by Maya Lin (famed for bringing sustainability to the forefront in all her designed, such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial) ; and a new sport, conference, and entertainment facility designed by MANICA. The Sport and Entertainment Park is destined to be a pinnacle of architectural design and planning, which will further inspire development throughout China – and the whole world.
The park is locally dubbed the “High Park”, due to its lavish design and elevation. The planning is transformative – the concept of a fully interactive sport and entertainment venue accentuates the entire region’s attractiveness. Another area of interest is the sloped roof and the integrated green roof technology that allows the students and the community to witness the naturally landscaped roofs to the “peak” of the arena. The building, metaphorically presents itself a mountain to be climbed. Functionally, it can be used as a field to play upon, or a garden to meditate in.
Despite this project being a sports and entertainment venture, there are multiple design strategies that can be implemented across numerous different typologies, the most significant one being the SEED – driving focus to future utility of structures and not simply engaging temporary functionality. There are also commendable efforts made on the design to retain the sustainability aspect that can be extended to individual design undertakings – such as the green living roof. It is imperative to the success of a firm to underline these elements, as well as stay rooted to the cultural context and functional efficiency.
