Athletic stadium at sardar allabhbhai patel sports enclave: Ahmedabad, Gujrat/

Abstract

This thesis explores the design of a 50,000-capacity athletics stadium at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, Motera, Ahmedabad, strategically located beside the Narendra Modi Stadium and along the banks of the Sabarmati River, where Phase II of the Sabarmati Riverfront Development is planned. The project envisions the stadium as an integral part of a future Olympic-ready infrastructure that is monumental in presence, yet sensitive to its cultural, urban, and environmental context. The architectural design adopts a dual-structure system—one that holds the seating bowl using a precast RCC column-slab structure, and another that features a steel truss with a PTFE roof to span over the stadium. A grand concourse level separates the internal functions: with service and athlete zones positioned below, and public and VIP viewing areas above, optimizing user movement and spatial clarity. The facade integrates vertical, aluminum powder-coated louvers inspired by the colors and textures of Gujarat's culture. These louvers provide sun shading and enable passive ventilation, improving both thermal comfort and visual identity. The façade represents continuity and transparency in its form. Crowd flow optimization, studied through detailed research and case studies—including Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Delhi), London. Olympic Stadium, and the National Athletics Stadium of Hungary—guided the strategic placement of entry and exit points to enhance movement efficiency and safety. The design emphasizes maximizing views and ensuring smooth crowd movement through strategically placed entry and exit points. The site plan includes adjacent arenas and parking lots, with a dedicated urban park strip featuring commercial outlets. This layout aims to maximize open spaces for future exhibitions and programs, respecting the natural landscape along the Sabarmati River. Research on "Designing for Crowd Flow: Architectural Strategies for Crowd Flow Optimization" and "Sports Infrastructure as Urban Catalysts" informed the project, along with case studies of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi, London Olympic Park and Stadium, Yamuna Sports Complex, and the National Athletic Stadium of Hungary. The goal is to create a monumental and iconic structure that respects local culture and ethnicity, is resilient to the climate, and prioritizes visitor experience. Keywords: Athletics Stadium, Olympic Infrastructure, Cultural Contextualism, Sports Urbanism