In 1985, under an initiative of the Victorian Government, sections of Flinders and Yarra Parks were set aside as an easily accessible, city site for a new Natural Tennis Centre to replace the existing Kooyong Venue. Melbourne-based architectural firm Peddle Thorp Learmonth, headed by design director Peter Brook, were commissioned to the design of a multi-purpose venue for not only tennis, but mass entertainment events including rock concerts, classical performances, super-cross motorbike action, conferences, dinners, and in 2007, the FINA World Swimming Championships which saw a 50 metre temporary pool built on the arena floor.
The construction of Rod Laver Arena was completed in 1987 and features a 16,000 seat centre court with fully-retractable roof. A vital design specification of the roof was that as well as being retractable, it must be reliable, strong and must not rust. Its completed design - an innovative world’s first, is formed by two rolling sections, each spanning the court with arched trusses that give the arena its distinctive image. The roof takes just 20 minutes to open or close, ensuring that tennis can be played despite Melbourne’s often inclement weather, and that the venue can be used throughout the year for concerts, arena spectaculars and other functions. As well as the retractable roof, the arena also features removable seating at the southern end which converts the venue from a continuous seated bowl for sporting events, to a three-sided concert venue.
Over 1 million people visit Melbourne Park every year to play or watch sport, or to attend functions or concerts. The facilities are maintained at world class and world best standards, giving Australian and overseas visitors exciting entertainment options in a safe and comfortable environment.
PLEASE NOTE:
All information and text was supplied, with courtesy, by Melbourne & Olympic Parks (www.mopt.com.au). For further information, please visit Rod Laver Arena at its official website or in the Peddle Thorpe Architects' project gallery.
1 comment:
Nice work with Rod Laver Arena! There are some pretty amazing sports stadiums just in Melbourne alone! This one is no exception. Would love to see some drawings of the construction of this.
A great thing about stadiums (etc.) is that you can see their structures bared for all to see.
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