Seattle Arena Design Proposals
Saturday · Dec 1 · 2012 | 12:52 PM PST
On Friday, the city of Seattle released three design proposals from 360 Architecture for the new arena to be built in the SoDo neighborhood. The building is being designed to house NHL and NBA games.
Option 1: Iconic and transparent
Seattle Arena design proposal by 360 Architecture
The first option is a unique building with lots of exterior glass. It's very cool look that I think would fit into Seattle rather nicely. The designers tout it's "landmark, iconic form" while recognizing that the "highly transparent façade may create challenges with [the] Seattle Energy Code."
Option 2: Simple and efficient
Seattle Arena design proposal by 360 Architecture
This design is a "cost effective building that maximizes function, architectural footprint, and street frontage," according to the architect. There isn't as much open space around the building as in the previous option, but maybe that's a good thing considering the weather around here during the hockey season. But aesthetically, this isn't my personal favorite.
Option 3: Front porch to downtown (preferred)
Seattle Arena design proposal by 360 Architecture
This final design was proposed as the "preferred option." Like the second one, it maximizes its architectural footprint, but it looks a little more modern. The entrance creates sort of a "front porch to downtown," according to the designer. However, it has a much "less iconic presence" than the first option.
I could certainly live with this design, but I think Option 1 is still my favorite. Then again, I'd be happy to walk into any building that has NHL hockey going on inside. Right now there's no city with that.
What do you think of these potential designs for the new Seattle Arena? Which one is your favorite? By the way, if you want to see the entire design proposal, there is a PDF available on the city's website.
Reader Comments (13)
I think they should pick the preferred option, but there's nothing wrong with the iconic look.
My preferred design is Option 1, like that one the best. To me Option 1 is the only one of those designs that looks the most like a sports facility. IMO Option 2 looks like a green house, and Option 3 looks like a modern library. Anyone have any ideas/suggestions of a possible company sponsored arena name? Cialis Center? Pepto Bismol Pavilion?
The third looks a lot more unique than the first. I've seen oval after oval. The third is something totally new.
I'd say that 1 > 3 > 2 from just a simple looks perspective, but 3's probably the best option as it allows for a bigger footprint, likely more on-site concessions, stores, and other facilities.
I like the third one. The second looks like a giant washboard, and the first is architecturally boring.
#3 !
While I LOVE Option 1, I could see Option 3 doing pretty well too. It definitely looks different, and for whatever reason, the aesthetic screams "mixed sports venue" more than Option 1. Not sure why, but it does for me.
Very exciting. I like the first best, but I agree with Toby and like the new idea of the third one. As an architect, I love to see something that is just functional and then looks great!
I would love to see anything there, get a team out of a struggling market and put it there.
Honestly? I really, really like the second option. It's so different for a sporting facility! I think it would become an iconic arena for both sports. That filleted roof, the fact that it looks like an office building. It's so inconspicuous. You could really go all-out for the inside with such a conservative exterior.
to me #1 looks too much like the Sprint Center in Kansas City, its just a basic oval with a bunch of glass which looks nice but its been done before. #3 is the winner for me, its got a unique look and it fits in best with the eco friendly look of the whole northwest coast
Option 3 seems like the most practical choice from a sports team operations and city perspective... but I don't really like how it looks. Looking through the linked PDF, I nearly mistook the raised central area on top in one rendered image for a funnel on a cruise ship. I feel that Option 1 looks most like an iconic arena, granted I've never been to KC or any other city with a similar design so I can't say if it's 'just another oval arena'. I'm surprised they didn't make an option look more like the waves/wings of Safeco and Century Link fields. The renderings of #2 and #3 make them seem so boxy in comparison and somewhat vertically "cutoff" for #1. EITHER WAY, Chris, you're right, if there is hockey to be played in a building at that address soon, regardless of how the building looks, many people will be very happy.
I really like the 3rd option best. The terraced entry porch would probably bring you in in the main level ring which is always a bit more impressive to me than coming into a large lobby and then taking an escalator up to the main seating level. The Xcel Energy Center in MN is dug into the ground to get this effect and the majority of the lower level concourse is open to the seating are which helps you still feel connected to the game if you're out of the seats. I think the larger rectangluar footprint would allow them to push all the concessions, etc to the outside walls and get that feeling inside the arena. I still see the 3rd option as something that could be very aesthetically pleasing. Though the terminology of the 'front porch' is a bunch of archi speak that gives people something to latch onto rather than what it would functionally be. I work in architecture and throw terms like that out myself sometimes, but I almost always cringe when I do. No matter what option they end up with I hope it all goes forward and y'all get a team. I'm still morning the loss here in ATL, but at least can go see some ECHL action live.
I'm really not impressed with any of the designs. If I had to pick one, it would be Option 1, but that looks too much like Sprint Center in Kansas City. Option 2 looks too much like a convention center, and Option 3 looks too much like a performing arts center. Nothing really screams "Welcome to the NHL/NBA". Personally, I would like to see the arena mirror some of the architecture of Safeco and CenturyLink...specifically the red brick. Really glad to see Seattle moving forward with a new building, and I hope they get a team soon!