Epicenter: A Cricket Stadium in the vicinity of Islamabad

Abstract

Cricket is a sport that runs through the veins of the Pakistani population, and this passion has been suppressed for far too long. Since 2009, enthusiasts of the sport have not seen much of it and this has dampened their spirits considerably. If we consider the international platform, sports is a bonding opportunity like no other. On top of that, cricket is a sport in which Pakistan shines bright, so compromising on such a platform can prove detrimental to a country's international relations. After so long, the game is coming back home. It is our duty as a nation and as a part of the major circle of the game to welcome it with utmost enthusiasm. This calls for the renovation of existing playgrounds and the development of new ones, keeping in mind the new trends in the sport, and its culture. A major reason for the death of this game in the country was a security breach resulting in the peril of some of our international guests. Therefore, the foremost priority is to make sure that any new platform to host the game is safe. This means the routes of exit and entrance are secure, and most importantly, the environment is safe. With this in mind, the project I am working on is the design of a cricket stadium incorporating the parameters discussed above. A platform like no other in the country, hosting the largest number of cricket enthusiasts in a safe and interactive environment. I aim to create a structure that is self-sustaining enough that it has the capability to generate funds for its maintenance and expansion. The building should have such a structure of innovation that it presents a blend of old and new ways to the international community. Above all, the aim is to make more than just a structure - a stroll through the game itself, a dialogue between the spectator and the space. It should both be an illicit conversation about the achievements in the sport and what they really mean. An experience that mentally prepares the spectator for what he is getting into when he/she reaches the stands. iii