Dear all.
As Cardiff begins to return to some sort of normality after the
events of the past 5 or so weeks I will try to remember and relay
some of my thoughts on the new stadium.
Seeing the stadium for the first time as we were driving into Cardiff
was quite inspiring as the whole building dominates the skyline and
is clearly visible as you drive around the city. Given its city
centre location I am a bit disappointed about its aesthetic value,
because of the materials used rather than the form. Nevertheless
it is a change from the traditional architecture that exists in the
rest of the city.
Currently there is no parking at the stadium but I was told there may
be when it is completed!
There are wider turnstiles at the entrances and at a suitable height
to insert the ticket.
I have during the past few weeks sat in the disabled spectator areas
on the three different levels. The only place I did not manage to
get into was the corporate hospitality suites, one day perhaps.
Viewing the game from the lower level is severely hampered by the
existence of the second tier above you and the bays are at the back.
Viewing can also be spoilt when the crowd gets excited and stand up.
Some attempt has been made to overcome this problem by fixing TV
screen on the ceiling above. The only thing needed here now perhaps
is seat belts in the three rows in front!
Viewing from level 4 and 6 is ok but with a little more thought could
quite easily have been far better.
There are approximately 200 seats designated for wheel chairs and
there are 4 evacuation lifts providing access above ground level.
The bars and fast food outlets all have a lowered sections, the WC's
have generous space for manoeuvre. The stewards on duty have been
well briefed and are helpful almost to the point where they become
over bearing.
There are a few things missing like corduroy warnings at top of steps
and there have also been some ingenious attempts to make up for
inadequacies like colour contrast / painting of handrails. The
handrails are the usual unpainted aluminium colour and cold to touch.
In an attempt to highlight them a strip behind the rail on the wall
has been painted, lateral thinking, but a classic example of lack of
thought early on.
The nosings of the steps have had non slip strips fixed and are
already showing signs of wear and tear. Surely these could have
been incorporated into the step.
Prior to the final on Saturday I managed to have a chat with a member
of the ground staff who was extremely concerned that they are having
difficulties getting the grass to grow. He was saying that the light
level and draughts that are needed for grass to grow are not
sufficient. He was saying that the designers had paid more attention
to the acoustics of the building rather than their need for light /
draught.
Yet another conflict in design.
Given that there were many concerns about the stadium not being ready
on time and failing Part M on a couple of occasions the facility does
provide some examples of good practice but sadly also some bad
examples.
Given its standing and the initial intention to provide something
that was a model of good practice in terms of accessibility we still
find that certain features are treated as ' add- ons' and not an
integral part of the thought / design process.
Bye for now.
Andy
SURFACE
Salford University, Research Focus on Accessible Environments
Tel: 01874 636826
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