Sports facilities in need of renovation

Sports centers, gymnasiums and other buildings dedicated to the practice of sport could see several major changes intheir design and use in the near future. These changes are aimed at meeting new expectations in terms of sustainability, inclusiveness, flexibility and space optimization. In the wake of the success of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, here are some of the trends that are likely to emerge, particularly in terms of the renovation of existing stock, and which the A26 teams are working hard to promote.

Mostly energy-hungry, public and private sports facilities are going to have to undergo an energy and carbon-aware makeover as part of their renovation program.

Materials with a low environmental footprint, self-consumption or even positive-energy energy production systems, water recovery thanks to large roof surfaces, are all ways of working towards this goal. This challenge represents an interesting opportunity to work on the building envelope and give slightly outdated facilities a new identity!

There is also a need for more flexible, multi-functionalsports facilities, with configurations to accommodate a variety of sporting activities for a variety of audiences, as well as cultural, social, educational and festive events, with extended opening hours.

Data Center Chapelle International - Paris (75)

Image: A26

The integration of areas dedicated to non-sporting activities is also now essential.

Spaces must offer amenities (coworking, rest areas, meeting rooms, cafés, wellness areas...) to transform existing facilities into hybrid centers that are much more open to the city and better integrated into the urban context, where the public can meet up outside of physical activities.

Last but not least, accessibility is a fundamental consideration, with particular attention paid to all types of disability, promoting diversity and inclusiveness.

Generally speaking, the time has come to turn the page on ageing, mono-programmed sports centers and move towards multi-programmed living spaces, with a move upmarket to benefit from their undeniable appeal.

From now on, it's time to forget poor acoustics and the smell of chlorine and bleach in changing rooms, and open the way to hushed ambiences, with lighting and olfactory ambiences tending towards hospitality codes.

It's time to take health and well-being into account with a holistic vision of Sport.

Marc Seifert - Architect, President of A26 Architectures