CiCo Park

CiCo ParkDesign Process: CiCo Park and Manhattan High School Stadium

Casey Meyer

January - May 2010

Introduction

Set in Manhattan, Kansas, a city with a large college population, CiCo Park is nestled within quiet neighborhoods on all sides. Home to a variety of activities year round, this City-County owned park caters to all residents of Manhattan. Due to the multiple ownerships the park has many different functions. Manhattan High hosts home football games in the fall. The city operates four baseball fields and a swimming pool. The county maintains the fair grounds and other public facilities. These multiple elements organized by varying owners has created a detached park with little community involvement.

The intent of this design process is to first create a lively and functional park which will stimulate a revival of a strong sense of community in the city of Manhattan. Secondly, focus will be on development of a new stadium for Manhattan High School. This will be in reaction to general desires and needs of Manhattan High and what facilities and functions they wish to have, including locker-rooms, rest-rooms, and concessions. The stadium must contain these elements while creating functional viewing opportunities for football and track and field events.

Large VisionThe design process should begin as a broad idea, and work its way to a full and complete final product. The broad idea should be the most important aspect of the desired outcome, and all subsequent aspects should work together to achieve this goal. The first step is the simplest, but requires decisiveness in the direction of the entire project. The composer Philip Glass describes this first step as this.

So, to go along with this reasoning, architecture in its simplest sense is about spatial experience. The first question must then be, what to do with this experience? Should the building promote certain moods for the occupants, create an atmosphere of intimacy, or make the occupant feel small and insignificant? The next steps must decide how to create the desired effect and bring the large vision to fruition.

“Writing music is listening to music. I don’t think of it, I listen to it. In other words, it’s already there. It’s not something that has to be imagined, its something that has to be written down. Drawing is about seeing, dancing about moving, poetry about speaking, and music about listening. I never was inclined to think at all about the theoretical ides about music. That would have been about thinking. I didn’t care about thinking about music, I cared about listening to music.”1

Design Statement Part 1

Full CompositionThe final step in the design process should not deviate from the initial goal of the building. The small aspects and details should be a continuation of the original idea for the space. Pier Santini considers Carlo Scarpa’s architecture as the

In Scarpa’s design of the Castelvecchio Museum he was challenged with the task of stripping down an old castle and making it into a museum. The main concept was to maintain the presence of the old castle in the city of Verona, while inserting a functioning museum using the existing qualities of the castle. The result is a complimenting interaction between the castle and these new elements, creating modes of circulation and spatial framings for the exhibit. It seems that Scarpa’s goal was to build onto the existing castle and compliment both the new and existing elements. It’s clear from large to small scale he focused on the edges and connections of the new elements.

“result of an integrated process of formal elaboration in which one passes from the general to the particular as themes stemming from the same root, only to be sent back once again to the general. In other words, each detail is organically connected and relatable to all the others, part of a Unitarian concep-tion with articulate and dynamic characteristics.”2

As you enter the outdoor space pictured left, there are shifts in materials as you leave the old castle and enter a new area. The roof undergoes abrupt changes to signal the addition, but beams and walkways continue to connect two different areas. This theme is consistent down to the details. The new walkways are slightly elevated above the original floor. The edges and connections between old and new materials are always made apparent. There is never confusion as to what something is or was. The entire design works towards the first concept, but still varies in material and detail. The unified design creates beautiful sequences varying in lighting and materials, all working together in a complete composition.

1. Glass - A portrait of Philip in Twelve Parts. Scott Hicks. Video Documentary. 2007

2. Global Architecture- Carlo Scarpa. Pier Carlo Santini -Yukio Futagoma, edita Tokyo Co. 1979

3. www.panaramio.com/_photo/22563188

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

Week 8

Week 9

Week 10

Week 11

Preliminary DesignThe initial design for CiCo Park consists of a single elevated pathway. This pathway connects and organizes the three main nodes/activities of the park. The first node is a tower. This acts as a focal point for the open area of the park. The second is the stadium. It uses the pathway for viewing, to house rest-rooms/concessions, and acts as a stem for the viewing needs of football and track fans with activities located on either side. The third node is a center of activity including indoor swimming, basketball, and skateboarding. This area is a general gathering place for the surrounding neighborhoods.

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1. Tower

2. Stadium

3. Community Center

The Tower is a focal point within the natural spaces of the park. It creates a strong sense of space by its connection to the rest of the park. It can be seen from most of the park, and most of the park can be seen from the tower.

Activities can be held at the top and bottom of the tower. The top is simply the final destination for viewing. Beneath, people can gather for during summer and winter months. Being situated on the side of a hill lends the opportunity for sledders to seek shelter next to a fire in the evenings. The tower is also a place to gather in the summer to escape from the harsh sun and enjoy a picnic in the afternoon.

The Stadium is formed by the walkway which becomes the concourse as it passes by the field. Viewing opportunities stem from the walkway and are formed in reaction to activities located along the walkway. To the east is the football field and track for running events. Bleachers are situated to view these events. To the west are jumping and throwing events. Due to the nature of these activities and the typical number in the audience, the walkway acts as a viewing platform.

The walkway also houses concessions and rest-rooms beneath it. Congregation space is formed between the stands, concessions, and walkway.

The Community Center houses activities for the surrounding community. The site is surrounded by suburban neighborhoods which have few commodities close by. A lap pool is included for older generations in the area, and a kiddie play-pool for younger.

Tennis and basketball courts, and a skate park are located opposite the natatorium. The set-up of these activities and viewing situations are similar to the stadium. The pool requires bleachers stemming from the walkway to house large crowds for swim meets, and the outdoor activities only require the walkway to act as a viewing platform.

The day to day use and more public nature creates a need for a broad gathering space. A snack bar and eating areas are situated near and along the walkway to stimulate social interaction.

Week 1After the preliminary design of the park, my first reaction is to change the orientation of the walkway to make the path more interesting as it goes through the park. Changes were made in reaction to existing topography and concerned with spatial formation.

The intersection of the two axis now results in the forming of the three main elements in the park.

I then created focused access points to create a common procession through the park.

The major axis were skewed to better conform to the existing topography and to manipulate the spaces they form.

Axis Relation

Spatial Orientation

Pedestrian Procession

Week 1The initial design for CiCo Park consisted a single elevated pathway. This pathway has three different nodes along it organizing the primary activities of the park. The first node is a tower which acts as a focal poi

Week 2This design is an effort to create an opposite strategy of circulation and entrance into the stadium. Rather than being centrifugal like the previous design, the mode of entry is more centripetal. In this stadium the occupant enters from beneath the field and moves out as they go through the different viewing areas. The activities are also physically layered rather than just the viewing areas, creating different spaces for each.

Initially, I was very interested in the potential of this design. The layering of the two playing surfaces created a new and exciting aesthetic. Unfortunately other inherent qualities of the arrangement were much less appealing. The situating of the stands and all the supporting program beneath the field was advantageous in ways, but was very limiting to he viewing of track events allowing only a quarter of the track to be seen at one time. The elevation of either playing surface also leads to difficulties in creating points of access for emergency medical equipment. I did find the access strategies very useful in my following designs of the park and stadium.

By using the strategy of a focused access point in the scheme of the design of the park, I was able to make the walkway contain the major entrances to all the elements of the park. This increases the traffic along the walkway making it a more lively and exciting space as it winds through the park. Now the possibilities also arose concerning the potential transitional qualities when moving from the walkway into a main element in the park, and visa-versa.

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Week 3While waiting in line for the K-State vs. KU basketball game, I began envisioning the basic form of the walkway. In an attempt to envision the basic design of the walkway, I was concerned with how the walkway made its way through the park, accessing the various elements, and forming the spaces between them. I wanted to maintain the density of activities around the stadium and natatorium. This would allow the walkway to spill out into a large open green area of the park, across the pond to the tower.

Week 4With the addition of a circuit track around the stadium, the relationship between the paths was a major concern. They should also be used to help enclose the stadium wherever possible. The focus on this model is placed upon the intersection of the paths, and how they join and react to one another.

Southwest

Northwest

Northeast

Week 4The initial design for CiCo Park consisted a single elevated pathway. This pathway has three different nodes along it organizing the primary activities of the park. The first node is a tower which acts as a focal poi

Week 5This model is a second attempt in considering the paths. Instead of path intersection, focus was placed on the program and how spaces could be made along the different paths, and how these are formed. Once again, the relation of these various elements are meant to enhance the enclosure and form the stadium. Seating and canopy orientation are also addressed.

Primary Walkway

Secondary Walkway

Circuit Track

The primary walkway continues its original responsibility of bringing people through the park and provides access to the various elements in the park. The profile of the walkway is formed by the grandstands, which are situated below nearer to the field. This maintains a social separation between those on the walkway and those in the stands focused on the game.

The secondary walkways provide access to the primary, create more viewing opportunities for sporting events and other activities within the park, and also help form spaces along the primary walkway. The secondary walkways, situated along the two axis which cross the main spine of the primary walkway, help frame and form spaces.

The circuit track is used by both track athletes and locals. Track athletes can access the track to warm up during track meets and not interfere with fans or other events. The circuit track weaves its way through the stadium and around the field, and also in the natatorium. This provides another level of use for the locals. The track’s orientation and viewing opportunities both provide a new and dynamic space for all in the park to enjoy

Week 6This rendition of the entire park is the first culmination of the entire program. The layering of the different elements is a reaction to the original idea of the walkway flowing through the park

1. Tower

2. Circuit track

3. Locker-rooms

The tower, now situated next to the pond on a hillside, continues its purpose as a focal point and gathering place within the natural area of the park.

The circuit track now extends past the stadium and penetrates the natural space of the park. This provides more access points and views for runners.

The locker-rooms are situated at the south end of the field to allow players the opportunity of making a grand entrance.

4. StadiumThe situation of the stands, each between two surfaces of activity, provides an easy accessibility for fans to view many activities without having to travel far.

5. NatatoriumThe natatorium frames the north end of the stadium, and also creates outdoor areas for swimming, basketball, and tennis.

6. Pool/CourtsThe public pool and courts stimulate an active outdoor area for kids and adults. A coffee shop is located above and adjacent to the walkway for parents to sit and watch their kids play in the pool.

7. Rodeo/TheaterThe rodeo and surrounding fairgrounds are located away from the walkway due to limited use.. The rodeo doubles as a theater to provide a place to gather and watch small performances for the people in the surrounding neighborhoods.

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Summary of Review 1

The review on February 19, 2010. Those present included Matt Knox, Ray Streeter, and Ben Stint. These individuals, along with my studio peers, offered comments on the progress of the stadium design and that of the entire park.

StadiumThe overall scale of the walkway as it passes through and defines the stadium is too large, so as to dwarf people below. The supporting spaces situated beneath the walkway are massive, as are other supporting spaces.

The walkway also needs to have a stronger relationship to the surrounding spaces. Visual connections between the different paths and spaces would enhance the relationships between them and make them more dynamic and interesting.

GrandstandsThe current circulation strategies for the stadium grandstands are basically a success. The pedestrian access is focussed at the vertical element behind both levels of bleachers. This element is housed by concessions and rest-rooms which lends an easy mode of access for services and delivery of goods.

Pedestrian

Service

Vertical

Community CenterThe scale of the space is once again much too large, but proportionally it makes sense. The building, located on the north end of the stadium, acts as a large enclosing element which adds to the desired dramatic setting of events.

The addition of the circuit track needs to be addressed in the design of the Center. The track is a major unifying element in the park and the joining of these elements must be treated delicately.

Primary Walkway

Secondary Walkway

Circuit track

Park DesignThe walkway moving through the park currently exists as more of a floating plane. It could engage the ground-plane more as it moves through the park, passing by the various elements. The transitions from each area of the park could be enhanced by changing the relationship between the walkway and ground-plane.

The other main critique of the park is limited access to the walkway throughout the park. It is counterproductive to make the main space in the park difficult to access from within the park. It could be beneficial to manipulate both the walkway and ground-plane to provide more numerous points of access throughout the park.

Week 7The first step taken after the review was to re-evaluate and alter the walkway and site conditions. Focus was placed on manipulating the ground-plane and how it responds to and affects the walkway as it goes by. The changes made to the ground and walkway help create greater experiential transitions as occupants move through the park.

Ground-plane

Axis

Spaces

Ground-plane

Axis

Spaces

The slope of the ground helps enclose the stadium in two ways; The first is the north slope. The second is the southern drop-off to the pond. The north helps create a taller enclosure, and the southern drop makes an abrupt distance change in perspective.

The forms along the axis are an exclamation mark on the topographic changes. The north increases mass and height, and the southern tower enhances the forced perspective.

By skewing the axis the focus of the views of action are altered. In relation to the field a broad surround-ing enclosure directs attention out from the three sides. To the west, the attention is directed down from a single area.

Week 8The canopies primarily act as a shelter for the majority of the stands in the stadium. The intent of their design was to compliment the massiveness of the walkway as it passes by the stadium. As the design progressed the canopies became extensions from the walkway rather than a fluid form around it. The final design reflects the characteristics of the walkway as it cuts and bends through the park.

Plane

Edges Cut

Edges Bent

While working on the formal design of the canopy, attention was given to its relationship with the walkway, stands, and ground-plane. Various orientations were sketched and altered until the most appealing composition was chosen. This design used separate tiers in both the walkway and ground-plane. The concessions are located below the main walkway adjacent to the upper bleachers.

In this design, in an attempt to simplify the design and organization of the grandstands, the upper and lower grandstands are compressed. This creates concourses for both the upper and lower stands. This is beneficial due to the maintaining of the separation of certain groups that typically enjoy being away from each-other at events such as high school football games.

This sketch, which led to the final design of the grandstands, changed the relationship between the upper level and ground-plane. Instead of tiering, the walkway ramps down, creating a viewing platform and circulation element. This, along with stairs connecting the upper stands, use a lateral circulation pattern. Elevators are still located within the core in the center. The “Hang-Out Zone” for track athletes is now situated in this core above concession and bathrooms.

Week 9The organization and placement of the programmatic elements are used to create variances in use and orientation of spaces around the playing field. Varying in experiential importance, the enclosed spaces are the core of the structure. The spaces adjacent to the core are meant for social gathering and as the spaces move closer to the playing surfaces they become better suited for viewing.

Enclosed

Circulation

Viewing

Upper Concourse

Press Box

Ramp

Athlete Hang-Out Zone

Circuit Track

Concessions

Lower Concourse

Week 10The climax of most high school football games is the entrance of players running out onto the field. To highlight this event, the relationship between the player entryway and the stands is modeled after a theatrical setting. The players are surrounded by crowds as they enter the stadium. Fans are immediately to their left while the marching band is positioned above them as they run out of the tunnel.

Theater

Skewed

Emergence

The athletes emerge from the locker-rooms surrounded by peers, fans, cheerleaders, and a marching band. The procession of the entrance of the players is important to all parties involved. The theatrical setting benefits both the players and those watching them, responding to each-other’s excitement. While this layout is symbiotic in the relationship between these groups, the entrance of the audience also needs to be addressed.

To enhance the procession into the stadium the core supporting the walkway is used to conceal the interior of the stadium as the occupants approach the entrance. This subtle concealment results in a more profound revealing of the playing field. Occupants enter from above by passing through the core. By walking down the ramp to the lower bleachers the core is positioned between the occupants and the field. This results in a broad, framed view of the field at the bottom of the ramp. As similar scheme is used for the south entrance behind the locker-rooms.

Athletes

Audience

Week 11The structure of the walkway and grandstands is based on steal truss framing around the enclosed core penetrating the walkway. These trusses support the walkway and grandstands through the use of deep concrete beams, spanning half the length of the stadium. The surfaces of the stands and walkway are supported by beams running perpendicular to the concrete beams.

Concrete Beams

Steel Beams

Surfaces

The concrete beams are supported by steel columns with cross bracing. Concession and rest-rooms are located within these steel columns. The beams are the most noticeable element forming the walkway as it moves by creating the edge of the stadium.

The surfaces of the walkway and bleachers are supported by custom made steel tube beams which penetrate the concrete beams. This layering of structure allows for simple additional projects in the future if more seating is desired.

The surface material and structure of the stands is bent steel ribbons which form the desired profile of the bleachers. This allows for simple construction of the main structure, and also additional bleacher seats and steps. The quality of the material also lends itself well to lighting the lower concourse by providing a reflective and appealing surface beneath the stands.

Concrete Beams

Steel Beams

Surfaces

Summary of Review 2

The review on April 7, 2010. Those present included Matt Knox, Ray Streeter, and Ben Stint. These individuals, along with my studio peers, once again commented on the progress of the design on the stadium and entire park.

StadiumComments were generally good. The overall layout and organization of the park, stadium, and individual spaces was acceptable.

The primary critique was on the legibility of experiential values in the presentation. My verbal presentation was lacking in communicating the relationship between the various elements forming the entire stadium.

ViewingThe primary critique of the activities and viewing opportunities produced by the structures around them was focused on their display and presentation. The portrayal of these experiences and how the spaces will be used were lacking. The problem could possibly be the isolation of each space in the way they are viewed here. Providing a broader explanation of how these areas relate to each-other would help portray these spaces as if the viewer were walking through the building.

DetailsThe other significant critique was of the expression of construction and human use. This rendering made it apparent more attention needs to be placed on the structure, how it is formed, and how it relates to the human scale. The concessions and other element should also express how a person goes about using and experiencing these spaces, or more generally, how these spaces function.

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1. Tower

2. Dog Park

3. Circuit Track

4. Locker-rooms

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6. Stadium

7. Throwing Events

8. Green Space

9. Rodeo/Theater

10. Plaza

11. Natatorium

12. Smoothie/Coffee Shop

13. Pool/Courts

14. Fair Grounds

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Walkway/Ground Plane

Program/Walkway

SiteThe play of the walkway and ground-plane is now much more free and engaging. Access to the walkway is still limited, but is now more advantageous due to the multiple points at which the two elements join.

The ground-plane now drops and rises in relation to the walkway. These points in the park create major experiential transitions primarily for people walking along the walkway through the park. These transitions occur as one leaves or approaches major spaces or nodes along the path.

2Stadium

1Tower

Design Statement Part 2

The main element of the design is the walkway (highlighted in red) which organizes and guides people through the park and to the various attractions within the park. The walkway plays with its relationship with the ground plane as they both plunge up and down at various points across the park.

The stadium, along with the tower and community center, are the three main nodes in the park. These all act as additional spatial variances in the form of the walkway.

These areas are meant to be a social stimulus for the surrounding community. The spaces and pathways work together as they interlock spatially and functionally. Elements such as the natatorium and circuit track function as services used by the stadium at various times throughout the year, and also formally as they help enclose the stadium and create a more profound experience for players and fans.

Stadium

3Community Center

Circuit Track

The Tower, as it was intended in the preliminary design, is a focal point within the natural spaces of the park. It creates a strong sense of space by its connection to the rest of the park.

Activities can be held at the top and bottom of the tower. The top is simply for viewing. Beneath that, people can gather during summer or winter months. Being situated on the side of a hill allows sledders to seek shelter next to a fire in the evenings. The tower is also a place to gather in the summer to escape from the harsh sun and enjoy a picnic in the afternoon.

1Tower

The Stadium is formed by the walkway which becomes a secondary concourse as it passes by the field. Viewing opportunities stem from the walkway and are formed in reaction to the needs of the activities viewed. To the east is the football field and track. To the west and far east are the jumping and throwing events for track meets. Due to the nature and typical attendance of these events the walkway acts as a viewing platform.

The walkway also houses concession and rest-rooms beneath it. With activities below and on either side, the upper and lower concourses become social gathering spaces where individuals can mingle and enjoy the many activities surrounding them.

2 Stadium

Locker-roomsThe beginning of the game is often one of the more exciting moments at a high-school football game.Situated under the marching band, beside the grandstands is the locker-room, allowing a full sensory experience for both players and fans as the game begins.

Concourse13’0”

Ramp15’0”

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Home Locker

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The office is centralized in the locker-room to give the coach a commanding space to address the players. A large board is positioned on the wall between the office and communal space to provide a drawing board for strategies and formations.

The training room, rest-room, and showers are organized in a cyclical order to allow easy movement and transitioning while dressing up or down. The training room provides an open view to the field so athletes are able to feel connected to the field before, during, or after the game.

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Steel Girder

Steel Beam

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Towel Shelf

Footing

GrandstandsA majority of stands are situated low along the track. This is to balance experiential values between football and track fans. Both these events can be enjoyed thoroughly and completely, while having quick access to other areas and service spaces.

ConcourseThe lower concourse has access to the main concession and rest-rooms in the stadium. The space is oriented so that fans can still experience the crowd excitement while being in a less conforming area for socializing.

Concourse13’0”

Ramp15’0”

Field0’0”

Concessions

Women’s RR

Men’s RR

Home Locker

Visitor Locker

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Stands5’0”

Training

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Concourse13’0”

Ramp15’0”

Field0’0”

Concessions

Women’s RR

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Home Locker

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One of the four access points to the Circuit Track is located at the end of the main concourse. The athlete “hang-out zone” is situated above the concessions and rest-rooms. Athletes are able to move from this area to either track while maintaining a visual connection to the main events during a track meet.

The Concourse is a broad space allowing people space to gather. Close proximity and a wide view of the field provide a gathering space to socialize, but doesn’t sacrifice connection to the game.

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Steel Cladding

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Pre-cast T-Slab

Bent Steel Bleachers

Steel Girder

Steel Pipe Beam

Light

Steel Framing

Steel Column

Concession Sign

Counter

Circuit Track

The circuit track provides both athletes and locals a conditioned space to run. The track is accessible from multiple points including the stadium, natatorium, and just above the pond. The experiential qualities of passing through these varying spaces will aid in occupying the occupants’ minds while warming up or exercising.

The Center is further become more adept for housing activities for the surrounding neighborhoods which are lacking in commodities of this nature. Lap pools are included for older generations both inside and out, and also a small water-park for the younger children.

Bleachers are located above the pool adjacent to a small Smoothie/Coffee shop. Behind this is a small plaza and rodeo/theater. These various elements combined with the stadium and tower, all along the walkway connecting the park, stimulate the use and activity within the park for the surrounding community.

3 Community Center

SummaryThe full intension of each element in the park works with one another to create activity and excitement. The stadium provides exercise space for the adjacent community center. This includes the circuit track which is used during track meets by athletes. The community center in turn creates greater enclosure for the stadium. Besides its lure as an elevated space, the tower acts as a focal point from around the park and within the stadium, framing the southern view.

Serving the typical needs and functions of the county fair activities, the rodeo also doubles as a theater allowing a broader array of community activities. In reaction to the theater and other establishments, the Smoothie/Coffee Shop is a social gathering place satisfying the needs of a variety of people occupying the park. These people include someone just walking through the park, dropping kids off at swim practice, or for groups leaving a performance in the theater. All these activities and elements exist along the walkway, forming a stimulus amid suburbia.

Your’s Truly

Matt Knox

Ben Stint

Ray Streeter

I would like to thank all who helped me with the design of this project. This includes my Professor Matt Knox, Ben Stint, and Professor Ray Streeter. Also, my fellow classmates, friends, and family for keeping my head up and pointed in the right direction.