NATIONAL SPORTS & RECREATION CENTRE FOR THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED

Abstract

ORIGIN Physically-disabled individuals usually depend on external structural aid to help them move around (like walking-stick, wheel-chair, crutches, bone-braces, implants etc.). Very often, these form a physical as well as a psychological burden on them, compounded by those found in much of our present-day built environment. However, the last thing on their minds is sympathy for their condition. What they really need is care for their well-being through ease of their mobility and reduced harshness of the general built surrounding especially in terms of accessibility and comfortable use of facilities in buildings. METHOD Hence, it is vital for the building to overcome not only the physical barriers, but also the psychological ones as well. For a start, the location and visual impact of the building should contribute to elevating the (physically-disabled) user's self-esteem and bear a significance which they can identify With. It will signify that they are being catered to and are considered as part and parcel of society as a whole. Thus, the building's image is crucial to this end. Interaction and common-sharing of facilities with able-bodied persons are intended. As such, a sports and recreation building presents a suitable vehicle to provide physical and mental therapeutic aid in overcoming the state of being handicapped. ARCHITECTURAL EXPRESSION The thesis also intends to explore the use of structural and construction system in concept, drawing the simple analogy to that of the human being needing a skeletal/ external structure to give form, massing and movement. However, this does not mean a literal translation, but a re-interpretation within the realm of architecture. To this end, the continual search for new meaning in architectural expression will be given new opportunities here, within the framework defined. IN PERSPECTIVE ..... The building can accomodate international, regional and local sporting events. It is to complement the existing National Stadium and Indoor Stadium, providing facilities lacking in both. From the urban context, the area will have a more comprehensive and unified purpose and identity. Opportunity is provided to reconcile the present disparate nature of the pedestrian movement pattern.