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Interview
Samantha Cotterell
Samantha Cotterell – CEO of DESIGNSPORT, with extensive experience for 20 years in the Major Sport Event Planning and Sport Infrastructure Development from Melbourne, Australia. She is member in the Australian Institute of Architects
2012 - WINNER – NATIONAL STADIUM AND SPORTS VILLAGE:
International Architecture Competition to design the NATIONAL STADIUM AND SPORTS VILLAGE of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. With LAVA Architects and JDAWConsulting.
2008 - FINALIST - QATAR FOUNDATION HEALTH + WELLNESS CENTRE ARCHITECTURE COMPETITION
Co-designer and Sport Consultant for the design of a sport and wellness centre at Qatar Foundation, under the auspices of Her Highness Sheikha Moza. In collaboration with LAVA Architects, Arup, Edaw.
2003 - FINALIST - BEIJING OLYMPIC AQUATIC CENTRE, Beijing China
For DECATHLON Architects, Athens, Greece
Awards
DESIGNSPORT was 1 of 3 finalists in each of the following categories at the Australian Event Awards 2011: Best Export, Best Product or Service...
What comes to your mind once you hear “Iconic World Structures”?
I think of a structure of awe-inspiring qualities, a sculptural element that is at once in harmony with and shapes the cityscape. I think of a structure that stands as a testimony to its time and encapsulates the thinking, the poetry, the cultural values of the city and country that host it. I think of a structure that challenges our thinking and pleases our senses as it redefines a sense of place.
What are the challenges you are facing when you have a project related to iconic sport venue?
Mostly stadia tend to become works of engineering rather than works of architecture. The nature of a stadium, its scale and its complexity often lead to a project that is dominated by the structural solution. In our work at DESIGNSPORT we strive to create designs that will enhance both the aesthetic and the public space value of the urban fabric. The challenge is to ensure that the building is a work of significant artistic value while providing abundant meaning to its users as a public and civic building. The context of an iconic structure and stadium greatly influences the challenges and the manner in which we address these.