Sports Architecture

SPORTS ARCHITECTURE: LIGHTING OF SPORTS SPACES IN GEORGETOWN, GUYANA

DECLARATION The candidate hereby declares that the work presented in this dissertation " SPORTS ARCHITECTURE: SPORTS LIGHTING " for the award of the Bachelor of Science in Architecture submitted in the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Technology, University of Guyana, is that of the candidate alone and has not been submitted previously, in whole or in part, in respect of any other academic award and has not been published in any form by any person except where due reference is given.' Author: ……………………………………………..Date: ………………………………………….. Adesina Flatts

Lecturer: ………………………………………….. Date: ………………………………………….. Mr. William Harris

Supervisor: ……………………………………….. …. Date: ………………………….. Mr. William Harris

DEDICATION I dedicate this thesis to major influential persons. First to my mother, Joy Flatts whom encouraged me to chase the dream of becoming the designer I want to be. Secondly to Lavern Fraser for whom has exposed me deeper in the world of sport. Mothers, teachers, realists, friends, professionals, sports enthusiasts and educators.

ABSTRACT This document is the result of a final year Bachelor of Science forming a research in the field of Architecture, pursuing the dissertation thesis: “Sports Lighting in Georgetown, Guyana”. The following constitutes a qualitative study concerning the current status of lighting for sports facilities in Georgetown. The objective of this research stresses an investigation of the current lighting systems being utilized by sports facilities in Georgetown. It focuses specifically on the lighting used for the performance areas. The research identifies the significance of lighting upon the performance space and how it affects the athlete. It covers the spaces in both outdoor and indoor specific facilities that includes sport disciplines of; high intensity, precision and longevity. These identifications form the basis for articulating a lighting strategy concerning its application to these facilities with the added nature of its tropical geographical location. This may serve as the foundation for the future of lighting in of sports spaces locally.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION “Light can be thought of as a ‘building material’ much like steel or concrete. Although structural components are needed to enclose a space, the space has no existence for an individual until it is seen and registered in the conscious mind. Light defines space, reveals texture, shows form, indicates scale, separates functions. Good lighting makes a space look and work the way the architect intended at all hours of the day and night”1. Lighting in sports spaces The year 1879 marked the commencement of the global lighting revolution which etched a competition between inventors including Thomas Edison, William Edward Sawyer and Phillip Diehl, Henry Woodward and Matthew Evans and Joseph Swan. “The first public building to use Edison’s new incandescent lamps was the Mahen Theatre in Czech Republic”. In 1883 the Czech National Theatre in Prague became the most technically advanced building of its type in the world, with the installation of electric illumination and constructional steel stage. These buildings were regarded as “sportstype” facilities because they accommodated dance and ballet and performance. This gave these “sports-type” facilities at the center of the electric light revolution.

1 (J.Fielder, 2001) 2 (Culley & Pascoe, 2009)

2

Problem Statement There exist several public sports facilities within the capital city of Guyana, Georgetown and its immediate environs. There are three National indoor facilities; the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall located on Homestretch Avenue (futsal, indoor basketball, martial arts, table tennis, badminton), the National Gymnasium located on Mandela Avenue (Indoor Volley Ball, Indoor Hockey) and the National Racquet Centre located on Woolford Avenue (Squash). These three locations also serve as the only public outdoor facilities within the city, having netball court at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Basketball court at the National Gymnasium and Lawn Tennis court at the National Racquet Centre. The national park has outdoor sport spaces for rugby, cycling, football, running and lawn tennis. The above highlights the importance of these facilities and varying degree of usage by the population. Sports is played, commencing at the 16:00 hours and continues to varying hours within the night in Georgetown. The problem of lighting comes before these buildings and the invent of sport but is importantly incorporated today. As such these facilities have present their own lighting systems based on the installations of their design team. In as much as these spaces are celebrated for various sport excellence; in the eyes of the layman they are acceptable, but those with an architectural mind will generate some discomfort with their lighting flaws. These flaws have both cost, comfort and environmental implications, aspects that will be

discussed in more detail in the succeeding chapters of this dissertation. “Lighting design for sports facilities is about producing good visibility which meets the requirements of the sports being played” (Culley & Pascoe, 2009).

Objectives of this Study It is the researcher’s intention of this dissertation to 1. Study and document the lighting guidelines for sports facilities as established by authorities in the field of Sports Architecture. 2. Study and document the existing public sports facilities in the capital city of Guyana, Georgetown, paying special attention to their lighting design. 3. Compare the lighting performance of the existing public sports facilities in the capital city of Guyana, Georgetown against best practices elsewhere. 4. Compare the above findings in (2) and (3) against the lighting design guidelines for indoor sports arenas in (1), as a post occupancy performance analysis, with a view to establish the success of their improved lighting application(s). 5. To recommend suitable lighting design systems for future renovations as well as new developments of sports facilities in Georgetown, and elsewhere.

Research Questions It is the intention of this research project to provide answers to the following questions: 1. What are the lighting guidelines for sports spaces that have been established by the authorities? 2. What is the lighting design and in effect, the lighting performance of the existing sports spaces (facilities) in the capital city of Guyana, Georgetown? 3. What is the lighting design and in effect the lighting performance of other best practices of sports facilities situated elsewhere? 4. What are the success levels of the lighting design and in effect, the lighting performance of both the sports facilities in the capital city of Guyana, Georgetown, as compared to the established guidelines for the same? 5. What are the lighting systems design guidelines that can be recommended that can guide possible renovations as well as new developments of these facilities?

Review of Literature

Research Methodology This research was done by the combination of two research methods, Qualitative and Case Study. The first stage Qualitative; Internet research, review of literature and interview, The second stage Case Study; design analysis of multiple facilities and system design proposal. The techniques to be used in the collection of data for this research project are:  

Internet Research (Library) Interview

Internet Research (Library) – related to this topic, will be carried out to gain appropriate and additional data on the existing literature. The information will be gathered from sources such as National websites, ebooks (published) and social media (interviews/observations). Interviews – will be done to obtain the necessary information from sports personnel (athletes& officials) to gather information such as lighting performance in the various sporting disciplines. Design Proposal – a recommendation of existing modern technology for lighting techniques will be used as well as an original lighting proposal model will be presented.

Scope of the Study This research is focused on playing spaces within sports facilities. The research is further focused on public facilities in the capital city of Guyana, Georgetown as well as a theory gathered from the internet.

Limitations & Constraints Due to the local facility’s schedule the researcher had limited access to the facilities studied. It was a challenge taking necessary light readings with special equipment due to the spaces being used at the time for which the researcher was available to measure.

CHAPTER TWO: LIGHTING SYSTEM DESIGN FOR SPORTS SPACES Lighting, the art and science of its design is just that and more: artistic flair; scientific knowledge and physiology. Most lighting systems provide adequate illumination for the task at hand but, the superior design goes the extra mile: it takes into account the effect of the lighted environment on the eye and mind of the human observer. As mentioned before light can be thought of as a building material, such like timber such that it defines space. The way the eye-mind combinations work evaluates light is a complex, dynamic process, which could fill volumes the size of this one.

The electronic spectrum (source: Phillips Lighting Handbook) The Lit Interior

Key Areas of Lighting Design for Sports Spaces Openings.: These are windows, doors, skylights, clerestory, vents, that forms gaps in the defined spaces and let light into the building via the sun or the moon. This has to be considered since they have the characteristic to be both a negative and positive attribute to the lit space. This will be talked about where specific spaces are determined. These areas of the building must be correctly positioned and sized to achieve uniform natural illumination which avoids glare, reflections and unwanted solar gain and heat loss.

Building Materials Some building materials naturally allows light to manipulate them for any good purpose such as glass, which can be used to let daylight into the space or metal which can absorb the heat property of light. Architectural membranes are used to aid in the wider distribution of daylight.

Surface Finishes Colors of surface finishes have to be carefully considered as they will affect the playing ability as well as the comfort levels of the users. As seen in this reference; walls of a sports hall should be of uniform and unbroken colors with reflective values enough to give sufficient contrast to small and fast

moving objects such as shuttlecocks and balls as well as dangerous activities such as fencing and martial arts. (Smith & Ford) Daylighting “Natural Lighting has to be considered from the earliest planning stages of a sports facilities project”. (Culley & Pascoe, 2009) The lighting designer has to take into account the prospective background (tone, color and variation), roof configuration and any planned storage. Lighting design for sports facilities is holistic and incorporates the daylight system, artificial system and control system. Maximizing the use of natural light promotes energy efficiency, but it cannot eliminate the need for artificial lighting and associated controls.

Artificial Lighting Evaluating artificial lighting options involves considering quality of light, visual comfort, uniformity of illumination, lighting type, position (ceiling mounted uplighters and/or down lighters, and/or wall/track-mounted lights), energy efficiency, length of life, radiation of heat, initial and ongoing costs, and ease of cleaning and replacement. (Culley & Pascoe, 2009)

Power Conversion for typical white light sources (source (Culley & Pascoe, 2009))

Lighting Positions This is very important as it affects several aspects of the lighting system. Consider arenas, sports halls and other high- ceiling activity, “these spaces should be a minimum of 7.3m (24ft) above the playing surface so that they will not interfere with mandatory clearance heights for indoor sports” (Culley & Pascoe, 2009)

Sporting Discipline Generally, sports involving small balls and fast moment call for higher lighting level of at least 300 lux (27.9fc). this is echoed throughout the various sporting disciplines.

Considering Light Properties

Light Mechanics Lighting’s source in light flows in a straight line until it comes in contact with a surface. This is where it gets altered by any of four (4) processes known as transmission, refraction, reflection or absorption for which will play a role in presenting this research. There are further processes that can affect or interrupt light paths and alter its properties; these are known as polarization, diffraction, or interference by other light rays.

Type of light modification (source: F.H. Jones) The lit Interior

Transmission This occurs when in when the light rays come in contact with surfaces that allow it to pass through, where the material absorb almost none of the light. There are three forms which are; Direct transmission, occurs when light strikes transparent material which can be seen through; Spread transmission (translucent material), where the light rays emerging at a wider angle than the incident beam, but the general direction remains the same. There is Diffuse transmission which occurs with semi-

opaque materials such as opal glass, and the light passing through the material is scattered in all direction. (J.Fielder, 2001)

Types of Light Transmission (source: F.H. Jones) The lit Interior

Refraction This occurs when a beam of light is bent as it passes from air to a medium of higher density, or vice versa. This occurs because the speed of the light is slightly lower in the medium of higher density. Two most commonly used refractive devices are prisms and lenses. A prism is made of transparent material which has non-parallel sides. A large prism slows down the various wavelengths of light by different amounts and can be used to divide the light ray into its color components; smaller prisms are used in lighting fixtures to lower brightness or to redirect light into useful zones. Lenses are used to cause parallel light rays to converge or diverge, focusing or spreading the

light, as desired. (J.Fielder, 2001)

Refractive devices (source: F.H. Jones/The Lit Interior) Reflection Reflection occurs when light strikes a shiny opaque surface, or any shiny surface at an angle. Reflection can be classified in three general categories: specular reflection, spread reflection and diffuse reflection. Specular reflection occurs when light strikes a highly polished or mirror surface. The ray of light is reflected, or bounced off the surface at an angle equal to that at which it arrives. Very little of the light is absorbed, and almost all of the incident light leaves the surface at the reflected angle. Spread reflection occurs when a ray of light strikes a polished but granular surface. The reflected rays are spread in diverging angles, due to reflection from the facets of the granular surface. Diffuse reflection occurs when the ray of light strikes a reflective opaque but non-polished surface, such as flat white paint. (J.Fielder, 2001)

. Refractive devices (source: F.H. Jones). The Lit Interior

Absorption Absorption occurs when the object struck by the light ray retains the energy of the ray in the form of heat. If you remember the blue ball example, the ball reflects only the blue wavelengths of the incident light, and absorbs all of the others. If the ball were in the sunlight, this energy absorption would heat the ball up. Some surfaces, like flat black paint, absorb nearly all of the incident light rays. These surfaces, such as those of a solar collector panel, tend to get very hot when placed in the sunlight. (J.Fielder, 2001)

Physical Factors In addition to color, four factors which determine the visibility of an object are: size, contrast, luminance, and time where luminance is the dominant factor. Size Size is considered because the larger or nearer an object, the easier it is to see. A larger object, of course, reflects more total light, and offers a stronger stimulation of the rods and cones. The strength of the reflected light decreases as the square of the distance between the object and the eye. (J.Fielder, 2001)

Contrast Contrast is simply the difference in brightness of an object and its background. Distinct contrast allows the brain to differentiate easily between areas of strong and mild visual stimulation. (J.Fielder, 2001)

Luminance Luminance, simply put, is the brightness of an object, or the strength of the light reflected from it. The greater the luminance, the stronger the visual stimulation, and the easier the object is to see. (J.Fielder, 2001)

Time Time refers to how long it takes to see an object clearly. Under the best conditions, it takes slightly less than one-sixteenth of a second for the eye to register an image. In a dim setting, it takes longer. This is especially important where motion is involved. (J.Fielder, 2001)

Light Quantity Light output is usually measured in candlepower and light output given direction is expressed in candelas. The density of light flux radiating from the source is expressed in lumens, and the luminance, or light reflected from an object is expressed in foot-candles. Foot-candles has units of lumens per square foot.

Light Quality The quality of light has to consider several factors. These are 1. Brightness ratio, which is the brightness contrast between the task and background. 2. Diffusion, it is the result from light arriving at the task from many different directions. 3. Color rendition, the color of light affects the emotional aspects of a space and importantly affects the accuracy with which tasks are performed. 4. Glare, maybe the more important aspect sends a negative review of light if not desired. Glare comes in many levels but ultimately distorts the viewers vision from the object.

Sport Specific Guidelines

Badminton 

Uniform, glare free light is recommended, aiming for high levels of



illumination, ranging between 300-750 lux. The properties of the shuttlecock must be incorporated as it needs to

 

remain visible at all times and at certain heights. Wall finishes should be matt and without unnecessary décor. Unnecessary wall openings should be avoided, since the competing light will give visual discomfort and will compete with the visibility of



the shuttlecock Floor/court finishes should be reflective resistant as it can be disruptive in reflecting light to the athlete’s vision.

Basketball 

Uniform, glare free light is recommended, aiming for high levels of



illumination, ranging between 300-750 lux. The properties of the basketball must be incorporated as it needs to

 

remain visible at all times and at certain heights. Wall finishes should be matt and without unnecessary décor. Unnecessary wall openings should be avoided, since the competing light will give visual discomfort and will compete with the visibility of



the Basketball Floor/court finishes should be reflective resistant as it can be disruptive in reflecting light to the athlete’s vision.

Futsal



Uniform, glare free light is recommended, aiming for high levels of



illumination, ranging between 300-750 lux. The properties of the football must be incorporated as it needs to

 

remain visible at all times and at certain heights and floor. Wall finishes should be matt and without unnecessary décor. Unnecessary wall openings should be avoided, since the competing light will give visual discomfort and will compete with the visibility of



the football Floor/court finishes should be reflective resistant as it can be disruptive in reflecting light to the athlete’s vision.

Hockey 

Uniform, glare free light is recommended, aiming for high levels of



illumination, ranging between 300-750 lux. The properties of the ball must be incorporated as it needs to remain

 

visible at all times and at certain heights and floor. Wall finishes should be matt and without unnecessary décor. Unnecessary wall openings should be avoided, since the competing light will give visual discomfort and will compete with the visibility of



the ball Floor/court finishes should be reflective resistant as it can be disruptive in reflecting light to the athlete’s vision.

Martial arts



Uniform, glare free light is recommended, aiming for high levels of

 

illumination, ranging between 300-750 lux. Wall finishes should be matt and without unnecessary décor. Floor/court finishes should be reflective resistant as it can be disruptive



in reflecting light to the athlete’s vision. Unnecessary wall openings should be avoided, since the competing light will give visual discomfort and will compete with the user’s visibility

Table tennis 

Uniform, glare free light is recommended, aiming for high levels of



illumination, ranging between 300-750 lux. The properties of the tennis ball must be incorporated as it needs to

 

remain visible at all times and at certain heights and floor. Wall finishes should be matt and without unnecessary décor. Unnecessary wall openings should be avoided, since the competing light will give visual discomfort and will compete with the visibility of



the tennis ball Floor/court finishes should be reflective resistant as it can be disruptive in reflecting light to the athlete’s vision.

Squash



Uniform, glare free light is recommended, aiming for high levels of



illumination, ranging between 300-750 lux. The properties of the squash ball must be incorporated as it needs to

 

remain visible at all times and at certain heights and floor. Wall finishes should be matt and without unnecessary décor. Unnecessary wall openings should be avoided, since the competing light will give visual discomfort and will compete with the visibility of



the squash balls Floor/court finishes should be reflective resistant as it can be disruptive in reflecting light to the athlete’s vision.

Volleyball 

Uniform, glare free light is recommended, aiming for high levels of



illumination, ranging between 300-750 lux. The properties of the volleyball must be incorporated as it needs to

 

remain visible at all times and at certain heights and floor. Wall finishes should be matt and without unnecessary décor. Unnecessary wall openings should be avoided, since the competing light will give visual discomfort and will compete with the visibility of



the volleyball Floor/court finishes should be reflective resistant as it can be disruptive in reflecting light to the athlete’s vision.

CHAPTER THREE: FIELDWORK/CASE STUDIES The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall Historical Background The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and the National Gymnasium are two of our main sports facilities. These facilities are used for training and competition purposes: Basketball, Table Tennis, Hockey, Boxing, Netball, Martial Arts, Volleyball, Badminton, Weightlifting, Cultural and Religious activities are also conducted at these venues. The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall which has a capacity of 2000 also has a Fitness Gym and a Resource Centre. The National Gymnasium with a capacity of 1000 carries living accommodation for approximately 50 persons. (Association) Lighting System/Distribution of Light Type: Natural/Artificial Fixtures: HED Metal Aluminum Reflective Casing/single bulb : Florescent and incandescent Light Color: white Walls: Concrete vent blocks Openings: Concrete vents, angled wooden louvres Colors Interior: White/blue/green

Ceiling: Open Roof: Metal clear span framing with corrugated metal sheathing Playing Surface: concrete base with rubberized matt finish

The National Gymnasium Historical Background The National Gymnasium is another of our main sports facilities. This facility is used for training and competition activities including Basketball, Volleyball, Weightlifting and Powerlifting, Hockey, Boxing, Netball, Martial Arts, Football, Dominoes. Exhibitions, Cultural and Religious activities are also held at this venue. The National Gymnasium has a capacity of 1000 persons and also has dormitory for approximately 50 persons. (Association)

Lighting System/Distribution of Light Type: Natural/Artificial Fixtures: HED Metal Aluminum Reflective Casing/single bulb : Florescent and incandescent Light Color: white Walls: wooden Louvres/ concrete block Openings: Concrete vents, angled wooden louvres Colors Interior: White/blue/green Ceiling: Open Roof: Metal clear span framing with corrugated metal sheathing Sports Surface: polished/lacquered grove and tongue close boarding timber

Redlynch Central Sports Centre Historical Data Completed in the year 2010, it is considered a well-designed, versatile sports centre with easy maintenance and low running costs. The Redlynch Sports Stadium is a purpose built, four court multipurpose cent re that includes a 40m x 20m international standard court. It caters to futsal competitions as well as other sports (netball, volleyball and badminton).

Lighting System/Distribution of Light

University of Cambridge Sports Center This center for sports is located on the University of Cambridge campus and represents the £16 million Phase One of the West Cambridge University Masterplan.

CHAPTER FOUR: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY OF STUDY

CHAPTER SIX: RECOMMENDATIONS