S-ONE SEVEN A SIDE LIVE SOCCER
by Candice Lim

When Tandem Architects 2001 was asked to design a building for indoor soccer fields, the architects reflected on the concept of sports in general and the way it is intrinsically linked to entertainment. The firm then proposed to create a covered but outdoor multifunctional area that could be used for soccer games as well as for other events.

PLAYER COMFORT
As playing soccer in Bangkok's tropical climate can be very tiring, the architects tried to create an optimal environment for the players by using only passive design features. It was important to minimise the heat transfer; protect the players from the rain; and allow good ventilation while still giving them the feeling of playing outside.

All these conditions could be achieved by implementing a simple 240-metre long cost-effective roof. The roof consists of a metal triangulated structure bearing a tensed canvas. This waterproof white membrane protects the players from the rain and also from the harsh sun. The white colour helps to reflect the sun's rays, minimising heat transfer as well as glare—the players get to do sports under natural daylighting conditions. Furthermore, the artistic, dynamic gesture that was given to this shelter also favours good cross ventilation. It has been shaped according to the principle that to obtain optimal air flow in a room, the opening on the windward side should be smaller than the opening on the lee side. The roof thus consists of overlapping strips separated by 50-centimetre high openings into which the air coming from the side of the fields flows freely. This natural ventilation considerably increases the thermo-hygrometric comfort of the players.

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