FIBA GUIDE TO BASKETBALL FACILITIES › Chapter 15

AH MP ultifunctional
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 FIBA GUIDE TO BASKETBALL FACILITIES › C hapter 15 › A Multifunctional Hall Project
A Multifunctional Hall Project
By Erminio Ravasio
This chapter presents a model project for a basketball facility
designed as a multifunctional hall which is suitable not only for
sporting events but also for shows, conventions and
exhibitions.
The planner has chosen a city in northern Italy to simulate his
design, pin-pointing a location close to a new exhibition centre.
The aim is to position the project in a territory and, in experimental
terms, study its urban inclusion in a setting that would allow a
new sports facility to take advantage of the infrastructures of
an existing exhibition centre
The design proposal is based on studies and research carried
out by FIBA with the aim of presenting a visual idea of how a
basketball hall can be conceived on the basis of all the aspects
mentioned in the previous chapters. The project guarantees
the standards necessary for the different activities planned,
ensuring that basketball competitions can be played under the
diagram 1A
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best functional and organisational conditions so that the events
are as spectacular and engaging as possible. (Diagram 1A)
The illustrations which will be presented in this report depict
the functional plans and the suggested layout of the hall for
different sporting events, shows and conventions.
The building is conceived as a multifunctional structure with a
high user-capacity. The multifunctional hall is therefore designed
to host not only high-level sporting events but also everyday
sporting activities, and to include commercial areas,
entertainment areas for concerts and shows, cinemas, exhibition
rooms, bars and restaurants, with the ultimate aim of
implementing the concept of large-scale self-supporting
facilities in the best way possible. (Diagram OB)
With a capacity of about 18,000 people, users access the
multifunctional hall via a filter area which is large enough to
accommodate the flow of people and acts as a meeting place
on arrival, and can also be used as an all-important area for
open-air events. (Diagram 13A)
Diagram. 1A
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Diagram. 13A
Adriatic Arena Pesaro
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BASIC FUNCTION ALTERNATIVE GROUND

FUNCTIONS SHOPPING/
COMMERCIAL AREA
Diagram. OB
SHOWS
CONCERTS
EQUESTRIAN EVENTS SHOPPING AREA
VOLLEYBALL BARS
HOCKEY RESTAURANTS
BASKETBALL BOXING FAST FOOD RESTAURANTS
MOTOR-BIKE TRIAL RUN EXHIBITION AREA
BOXING HOTEL
TENNIS WELNESS CENTRE
ATHLETICS MEETING AREA
CONFERENCES PRIVATE FUNCTION AREA
CONVENTIONS ……….
………..

diagram OB

Transport terminals, car parks and those services which do not
require natural lighting and ventilation are positioned in the
internal parts of the multifunctional hall.
Separate access ramps have been planned according to the
various vehicle categories and user-types to ensure user-
friendly access for all, whether service providers, athletes,
spectators, journalists or emergency services.
Car parks have been appropriately located so that passengers
arrive on the correct level, for example team coaches arrive and
park on the same level as the court, thus enabling teams’ direct
access to the changing rooms from the car park. Separate
access routes are provided for VIPs, partners and journalists,
which lead them directly to their reserved areas, ensuring that
the different categories remain segregated during a heavy influx
of visitors.
The spaces are designed to enable service and emergency
vehicles quick and easy access to the court when setting up
equipment for events, carrying out maintenance services or
any emergency or fire prevention operations, whilst long-term
parking is offered in the adjacent parking areas..
The service areas and playing areas are distributed on different
levels of the hall.
The car parks and court are below ground level.
The parterre is on the first underground level where there is also
a large car park that enables suppliers and equipment trucks
direct access to the building. In this project, the car park and a
part of the multifunctional hall have been placed underground
for two reasons: to reduce the visual impact of an obviously
large structure and to contain underground those functions
which are not deemed to be particularly attractive, such as the
car park which, now under cover, serves as a public square
above. (Diagrams 6A and 16A)
On the second underground level there are two courts for
training and pre-competition warm-ups. As mentioned in
previous chapters, it is imperative that during high-level events
teams are designated an area where they can practise and
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Diagram. 6A

diagram 6A

diagram 16A

Diagram. 16A
289
Diagram. 1B
warm up before a game.
Stairs and lifts can, however, be used by authorised public to
access the additional court area as this area is also suitable for
small exhibitions, conventions or conferences which may be
organised alongside large events and trade fairs. The second
car-park level is also on this level.
All levels are connected by common areas with stairs, lifts or
escalators.
Different accesses are foreseen for different user categories,
including a special access route reserved for the players which
takes them directly into a closed and protected area; this can
be used by players arriving in the team coach as well as those
travelling with their own vehicles for home games. The reserved
access route leads directly to court level, which corresponds to
the first underground level. En route to the court, players must
pass through the changing rooms where they can get ready for
the game.
FIBA GUIDE TO BASKETBALL FACILITIES › C hapter 15 › A Multifunctional Hall Project
diagram 1B
The changing room area, large enough to accommodate several
teams at the same time, also houses a first-aid room and an
anti-doping room. For security reasons, this area is reserved
exclusively for players and coaches, thus averting contact with
other users or spectators and ensuring a smooth running of the
event. As the players leave the court at the end of a game, they
pass through a “mixed zone” in one of the four corners where
the service sections are located, where journalists may descend
directly from the press area to meet with the players and their
coaches. (Diagram 1B)
It is important to highlight that the entire hall, with the exception
of the playing court, is on different levels.
Stairs, lifts and escalators lead up to the first level. On this floor,
there is the main entrance to the multifunctional hall and general
public facilities, such as the reception area, refreshment area
and commercial area. (Diagram 2B)
The communal area on the second level can also be reached
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Diagram. 2B

diagram 2B

diagram 3B

Diagram. 3B
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Diagram. 4B
diagram 4B
using stairs and elevators, after access has been authorised by
means of an electronic pass or showing identification at
reception. (Diagram 3B)
The court is generally visible from the commercial area, but
may be closed off from public view by covering the glass
partitions to conceal the court or parterre whenever necessary,
for example during training or a concert.
The stands are accessed from the next level, the third floor,
which is reached using the escalators. On this floor there are no
commercial spaces apart from the refreshment areas. Thus,
the space on this level is intended solely to accommodate the
flow of spectators entering and leaving the stands. Next to each
corner section there are two independent staircases which are
defined by reinforced concrete walls; near the stairs there are
lifts. In general, spectators heading to the stands will use the
escalators to reach the third level and will therefore see the
commercial area as they pass through the second level.
Each floor offers restricted and reserved areas for special
FIBA GUIDE TO BASKETBALL FACILITIES › C hapter 15 › A Multifunctional Hall Project
purposes. (Diagram 4B)
The dimensions of the service section are fixed and the space
within uninterrupted and pillar-free, thus allowing the space to
be divided and used in different ways. This is a positive aspect
which improves the multifunctional hall’s versatility, and thus
promotes its use throughout the year. Not only can the space
be redesigned according to the event in question, but enhanced
versatility also allows space requirements to change in line with
technological evolution. What is more, with the public’s changing
interests, the spaces can easily be adapted to satisfy new
requirements.(Diagram 7A)
Spaces inside the service sections, in the basement, on the
first floor and sometimes on the second floor, are dedicated
exclusively to service operators, whatever the event.
The corresponding spaces on upper levels, however, can be
dedicated to permanent ventures which will benefit from a view
of the court.
In the corner sections there is also the wellness centre with a
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captivating view of the court. (Diagram 4A)

The strategy of this project is to also involve users who would
not usually follow basketball events.
Regarding the structure of the hall, the roofing consists of a
structural part made up of iron beams with a double-T section
or reticulated beams that cover the main lighting system using
the reinforced concrete ducts (near the fire escape stairs
mentioned earlier) as support.
Diagram. 7A
The reinforced concrete ducts are used because they are both
fire-resistant and load-resistant; in fact, they can support the
emergency stairs, lifts, part of the stands and the roofing itself.
The structure of the roofing includes the main beams which
form a grid on which nine secondary squares rest; these are
alternately connected with the upper and lower parts of the
main beams.
With a building of this type, the following elements can be
located indoors: lighting systems, wiring for the fixed lighting
diagram 7A
above the court, wiring for the arena’s audio system, ducts for
diagram 4A
the air treatment system as well as fire-prevention systems and
other safety installations. Frames are placed below the roofing
to fix the spot-light system for the court.
The roofing in the filter area comprises metal elements which
intersect to leave openings between one panel and another.
The part of the same roofing which covers the arena has sealed
infills which insulate the roof and render it waterproof.
The filter area can be accessed from the sides, through different
accesses. The aim of this space is to offer a first welcome point Diagram. 4A
for all visitors as well as an intermediate space where exhibitions
and “street” sports can be offered entertainment during major
events. (Diagram 5A)
The thought behind this area is to increase exposure by
showcasing events on large screens. This is particularly
valuable during any popular world championship as it enables
fans to follow the games on maxi-screens or LED-walls as they
are broadcast live.
The facility offers a central multifunctional assembly room which
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Diagram. 5A

diagram 5A
 FIBA GUIDE TO BASKETBALL FACILITIES › C hapter 15 › A Multifunctional Hall Project
can accommodate up to 300 people. This room is necessary
for press conferences or meetings. For easy access, and
evacuation in case of an emergency, the room has four
entrances; these also allow the room to be divided into four
smaller areas where up to four conferences or meetings can
then be held simultaneously. Men’s and women’s toilet areas
are located nearby, each with 10 cubicles.
The section reserved for journalists includes areas equipped
with computer workstations, press conference areas and
refreshment areas, all of which are connected by stairs and lifts
and not accessible to the public. Considering the versatility of
the multifunctional hall, ample storage space is very important.
The building must have a storeroom large enough to hold all the
equipment necessary for the different sporting activities, for
example, the mobile floor of the basketball court which, given
the total surface area, is particularly large.
The multifunctional hall can be used for the following sporting
activities:
·· Basketball
·· Boxing
·· Volleyball
·· Hockey
·· Equestrian events
·· Athletics
·· Tennis
·· Shows, conventions, conferences
Given the versatility of the hall and the different activities that
can be organised in the arena, it is important that the position
of the stands can be altered to cater to the needs of the different
activities; for this reason, retractable stands are preferred.
(Diagrams 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G, 7G and 8G)
There are eight LED-walls near the four corner sections inside
the arena.
LED-walls provide close-up coverage of the game as well as
replays of televised games. Furthermore, they offer visual
support during conferences as internal filming allows images of
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the speakers to be brought closer to those seated further away.
During trade fairs and exhibitions, or whenever the arena is
divided, each area will be fitted with two or four LED-walls with
independent controls for advertising, announcements,
information and security.
The project foresees the use of renewable and recyclable
materials produced without causing damage to the environment,
and also the use of energy-saving technologies.
The use of energy saving materials and equipment for the
rational production of energy is important in both environmental
and economic terms, once again supporting the concept of a
self-supporting structure.
The building shell is one of the main aspects taken into account
in this project.
The shell has three main characteristics:
-- high level of insulation
-- good breathability and sufficient mass to reach a good level
of thermal inertia
-- high capacity to withhold the heat or cold for as long as
possible.
The imposing size of the facility is considered a unique
architectural feature: the building slopes downwards towards
the public access area until it reaches the ground. The zig-zag
roof rises on the opposite side but is still lower than the top of
the arena, leaving space for a second entrance. (Diagrams
16AB and 16ABC)
The outside facades of the sports facility are rendered visible in
the dark through the installation of LED-walls and luminous
projectors that project event-related information and advertising.
(Diagrams 14A and 15A)
In the model project proposed, the front of the facility extends
as far as the exhibition centre in the hypothetical location; as
such, it acts as a giant advertising board to those travelling
along the arterial roads close to the facility, providing the ideal
opportunity to publicise events being held there.
(Diagram 11A)
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Diagram. 1G
Volley ball

Diagram. 2G
Tennis

diagram 1G - Volley ball diagram 2G - Tennis

diagram 3G - Shows diagram 4G - Hockey

Diagram. 3G
Shows

Diagram. 4G
Hockey
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Diagram. 5G
Equestrian events

Diagram. 6G
Boxing

diagram 5G - Equestrian events diagram 6G - Boxing

diagram 7G - Concert diagram 8G - Basketball

Diagram. 7G
Concert

Diagram. 8G
Basketball
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Diagram. 16AB

diagram 16AB

diagram 16ABC

Diagram. 16ABC
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Diagram. 14A

diagram 14A

diagram 15A

Diagram. 15A
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Diagram. 11A

diagram 11A