Just to add to Rushian description above, I've now had the chance to see the 3d massing of the stadium for myself. I can appreciate the comments of previous posters in saying it is difficult to describe but hey what the hell I will give it a go...oh and I agree, it looks absolutely nothing like the ‘toilet’ in the earlier images…in fact the opposite could be said in that it’s entirely asymmetric…I’m struggling to find a parallel line in the roof structure.
Even though the terracing is relatively conventional in the sense that there are four fairly square sides at pitch level, the height is greatest at the kop end reducing down to the opposite Priory Road end but not massively so that it looks odd. I would compare the outer façade as a toned down version of a Frank Gehry Building..not quite as mad but approaching his signature style…I’ve only seen the massing model which would arguably enhance this impression... not sure of the materials but an educated guess would suggest it will be varied in colour, weight and texture…each stand being quite different from the other and each fragmented in their own right. The Kop has echoes of the new Valencia stadium to the rear. Whether intentional or not it seems to reflect the way British grounds have been built in the past, i.e. where stadiums would grow and modernise by developing one side at a time, reflecting the era they were built and creating a rather adhoc arrangement of styles. If this was the source of inspiration I think it has been very bold and clever. If not, then well it’s just my interpretation of it and I think it fits the concept very well.
I really hope they’ve been keeping the locally planners aware of their ideas. This appears to be a very avant-garde design and will be tourist attraction in its own right - although I can also understand many not appreciating it - you could almost run parallels with the Scottish Houses of Parliament in terms of the adulation and controversy that it sparked. Potential RIBA award?..hmmm, will wait and see, but most definitely stands a better chance than the previous effort…apologies to AFL as I know you were on a budget!
Cost…well I wouldn’t want to guess really…especially with the vast volume of accommodation being shown beneath the terracing and the apparent lack of standardisation/repetition of construction.
Anyway I will leave it at that…hope it gives people a better feel for what’s coming their way…sorry if it’s added to the confusion. I’m really looking forward to the official release of the scheme…not only to see the design in all its glory but also to see the reaction of everyone.
