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Lincoln Athletics Centre of Excellence

Part 1 Project 2004
Mark Thompson
 University of Lincoln Lincoln | UK
The project was initiated by an intense study of site. The focus was on the unseen paths that exist within that space and the movement of bodies that create these paths. In particular the three-dimensionality afforded to such paths by the criss-crossing of the space by birds in flight. The site I examined had a high interaction of people and birds; what became fascinating were the constant flashes of birds that flew in front and overhead. This became the focus of my investigations.

I recorded and decoded many flight patterns, exploring the shapes and forms that were created from flight. My investigations became more fixed on the mechanics of the motion I recorded. ; This lead to a specific examination of the bird primarily responsible for the traces I had been recording, the flocks of pigeons that passed through the space. The constant throughout was the rhythm, speed, ever-changing direction and the elegance possessed.

My initial attempts at manifesting these observations into an architectonic form were with the production of a series of non-site and site specific installations. The essence of the installations was to capture the rhythmical nature of the video recordings taken. The installations then became a conduit for the development of an architectural language to be applied to another site and program.

The brief was the design of a sports science faculty building, to be located on the campus of Lincoln University

This building could help bolster British athletics, act as a landmark for Lincoln and aid in the development of the understanding of sport, with educational links to Lincoln University. Lincoln Athletics Centre of Excellence would be recognised alongside, ‘Pondsforge’ ‘Picketts Lock’ and ‘Loughborough’

The building incorporates, an aquatic zone, consisting of underwater treadmills, dash pools and a hydrotherapy pool. A strength training zone, where there is an area specifically designed to concentrate on pure enhancemen


Mark’s project began as an examination of spatial traces left by birds in a public square. These ‘spatial mementos’ were explored, analysed and reconstituted using time-lapse video and physical models The process adopted concerned itself with the nascence of architectural expression and the formalising of propositions from an individual interpretation of the ‘space between’, the obvious and the immaterial, and the phenomena that exist there.
His examination of these place-specific events and artefacts facilitated a disconnection from the arid, traditionally accepted determinants of initial place-assessment (site analysis), and fostered the creation of
unexpected non-linear connections between diverse phenomena. The resultant scheme is an exuberant collection of forms contained within a rigid geometric frame and sited in the University campus Lincoln.


2004
The environment, lush with all aspects of movement, different speeds and direction was epitomised by the movement of the pigeons. Flight produced the most variants of movement with the stimulant being the pigeon’s senses. Trepidation, confidence, temptati
Flight, recording flight consisted of extensive video recording and analysis. This broken down still by still began to decode the whole movement of flight. The freedom of movement, the regimented rhythm and countless patterns revealed the untainted beauty
Wing structure, the stimulant of flight is the pigeon’s senses. The generator of flight is the wing and composition of the pigeon’s anatomy. An anatomical investigation was conducted to analyse the range of movement and explore the forms created by this
Flight Models, The flight study created spaces and forms that are expressed within 3D models. By rationalising the feather and recreating its movement around the site, its elegant form captures flight’s essence and it sense of movement. From this an initi
Installation, The initial installation was required to be re-evaluated. For it to lie structurally sound on the site it needed a stronger supporting base. The shape was redesigned relating back to the flight analysis. The structure was made from galvanise
Building Forms, the installation itself and its gradual process provided a base from which to derive a building shape. The new site, with my athletics movement in mind created forms relating to the rationalised feather. A form created from this gave initi
Centre of Excellence, the building shape was derived with reference to the 3D model. The hard edges of the Perspex box are the antagonist of the lush flowing shapes within. The ground floor acquires an aquatic training zone with changing facilities and a
Centre of Excellence, the concrete structure supported by the flowing columns acts as an educational grandstand to observe and develop the performance and education of athletics. The second floor possesses, tutor rooms, lecture theatres and learning resou
Void Perspective, The building incorporates many wing-like columns, load bearing and some non-load bearing. They attract the eye that is constantly darting through out the building, each corner in a new view. This feeling is identical whilst at the instal
Strength Zone Perspective, The open plan strength training area allows the dynamic columns to cascade around the room up through the voids into what seems an up-rising infinity. The glass façade facing the athletics track allows the athletes within to be
Office Perspective, The top floor open plan office avoids bunged regions, opening up the space celebrating the transience of the building. The glass façade ensures the constant relationship between interior and exterior
Details, 1:20 section of reinforced concrete column and pre-cast concrete floor plate joint. 1:5 section and exploded 3D detail of floor plate and glass façade joint.
Aquatics Zone, an area specifically designed for the development of athlete’s training and overall movement. Includes a15 meter dash-pool and a hydrotherapy pool for recovery and relaxation
Perspective view, across the top floor illustrating the open plan office space and demonstrate how the dynamic columns will divide the space that can be used it the function of the building
Concept view, of the layout of the centre of excellence and a glance through the southwest facing façade, which exemplifies the dynamic columns and the movement within the centre of excellence, a view that would be seen by athletes training on the track a
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