THE PIT BUILDING - A LONG TERM SOLUTION TO A SHORT TERM ISSUE

Abstract

This study explores the options that are available for the design of a Formula One Grand Prix Pit Building and evaluates them in the context of Singapore. Formula One, like all international sporting events, has a temporary presence in their host country for the duration of the sport before moving on to the next country at the end of the contracted period. Host countries typically house these events in temporary structures. However, Formula One racing presents a unique situation of a long term temporary event, where a country hosts the race for a minimal period of 5 years, for about a week each year. The sport requires a large run area and a control centre of the host’s design, subject to safety and functional requirements. The same stringent standards are applied to all aspects of the event. For supporting services, all parts of the event except the Pit Building and tracks are flown in, including kitchen equipment for the Paddock Club. For the sport itself, car parts are rigorously crash tested and those not meeting the minimum standard would be disposed of, together with the entire batch. The move to bring Formula One racing to Singapore is part of the government’s move to promote itself as a hub for major international sporting events1. With the surge in temporary events, there is an increased urgency for facilities that will neither continue to take up unnecessary space long after the event in land-scarce Singapore nor contribute to our construction waste. Currently, there is no existing local typology for a long term temporary events facility. Using the Pit Building as an example, by proposing strategies, the hope is to reduce the amount of waste generated by such events. This study draws on theories and existing examples of buildings constructed with relevant strategies to attempt to tackle the issues that arise from the design for a temporary Formula One Pit Building. It concludes with evaluating their feasibility in the context of Singapore.