Design Consideration for Multi-Purpose Facilities
From sports tournaments to trade shows and corporate conferences, multi-purpose facilities can host a variety of events. Unfortunately, planning for a variety of events can be a huge design challenge. Sports Facility Advisory plans and develops community centers and sports complexes, so we know how to approach a multi-purpose facility. Here, we discuss a few design considerations to keep mind.
Multiple Demographics
Multi-purpose facilities are likely to attract a wide-range of ages and demographics. During planning, consider the needs of those who will visit the facility. Elderly visitors may require wheelchair ramps, elevators, and handrails, while children may require ergonomically-correct facilities, such as short sinks and water fountains, as well as entertainment options like playgrounds. The more accommodations you add to your facility, the more people you are likely to attract.
Large Crowds
Multi-purpose facilities are the ideal place to host large-scale events, like sports tournaments, concerts, and trade shows. To prepare for these events, design your facility with crowds in mind. Create a versatile common area with plenty of seating, and add plenty of restrooms, water fountains, and concession stands. When you pick a location for your facility, consider parking. Finding a place to park can be a huge hassle during a large-scale event, so make sure the surrounding area can handle the number of cars your facility will attract.
Flexibility
Multi-purpose means versatility. In theory, every space in your facility should have multiple uses. The room you use for basketball tournaments should also host concerts, and the room you use for yoga classes should also host business conferences and birthday parties. To cater to a wide variety of events, find some ways to create flexible, ever-changing spaces. Invest in movable walls to change room sizes and purchase lightweight furniture that you can easily move and store. When designing your facility, remember that the interior doesn’t have to be static. Instead, it can be an ever-changing, modular space.
Sustainability
Large multi-purpose facilities can use up a lot of energy. When you are designing a large facility, keep sustainability in mind. Think of ways to reduce energy consumption and waste. This will not only make your facility more eco-friendly, but it will also save money and cut back on utility costs.
Multi-Purpose Facility Design at SFA
At Sports Facility Advisory, we specialize in planning and designing multi-purpose facilities, including community centers and sports complexes. Since 2003, we have partnered with a wide-range of public and private projects, providing feasibility studies, sports tourism research, and funding services. To learn more about our services, contact SFA today!
