But where crowds have a record of being boisterous and ill-behaved, and where large parts of the build- ing are exposed to wind and weather, finishes must be tough enough to stand up to intense wear and tear, regular abrasive cleaning, and the effects of sun, rain and temperature change.
Concrete surfaces are widely used and relatively inexpensive, can be very durable if treated with addi- tives and sealants, but are associated with precisely the image that the modern customer-winning sta- dium would like to avoid – of a rough, mean place where one would prefer not to linger. They are also less easy to keep clean than smoother surfaces, and this adds to their negative image. More positively, the colour and stain additives as used at places such as Euro Disney are likely to become popular in the future.
Natural concrete block surfaces with anti-graffiti coatings are serviceable; but for the public they have the same utilitarian image as unfinished concrete.
Natural brick walls promote a better image than con- crete, and can be treated with anti-graffiti coatings.
Wall and floor tiles or mosaics in ceramics and terracotta are expensive initially but are hard- wearing and, if properly used, pleasing in feel and appearance.
Coated steel claddings have improved greatly in recent years and are now very durable. They are easily cleanable, the choice of colour and pattern is wide, and this cladding type offers the possibil- ity of handsome yet eminently practical concourse wall-surfaces.
Studded rubber floor tiles and sheeting are available in improved forms and although relatively expensive initially they are hard-wearing and available in attract- ive colours. They have been successfully used in many stadia in Europe.
Liquid-applied coatings include finishes such as epoxy with grit in the top surface. They offer a tough, colourful, non-slip flooring. Many such coatings are now available.
5.7.3 Details
In all cases correct detailing is as important as cor- rect choice of materials:
• Careful positioning of doors and openings reduces confusion and aids circulation.
• The use of rails along walls can protect the wall face from abuse by keeping people at a safe distance.
• Balustrades set back from the edges of land- ings and concourses help reduce the danger of objects being accidentally dropped on people below. Similarly, floor edges in these positions should be upturned to prevent objects rolling over the edge.
• Upper surfaces of rails and balustrades should be sloping to make it difficult for fans to stand on them, and to prevent objects which could fall onto people below being placed there.
• Corners can be protected from damage by cater- ing trolleys and other service vehicles by fixing metal guards, or by having rounded profiles.
• High ceilings help to create an open, airy atmosphere and are beyond reach of deliberate damage.
• Toilets should have surfaces and edge details, etc. which allow the complete washing down of walls and floors.
• All dangerous projections and sharp edges should be avoided.
5.8 Roof
5.8.1 Degree of enclosure
Open or partially covered stands are still common in less wealthy regions such as Central and South America and Africa, and are found even in countries with relatively robust climates such as Canada and Russia. But spectators are increasingly demand- ing some form of protective cover and in colder cli- mates (especially northern Europe, North America and Japan) where sporting events take place in win- ter roofs are becoming a standard requirement. The trend towards enclosure has gone furthest in the USA and Japan, where many new stadia are entirely covered. Designers should note that this decision, as pointed out in Section 5.4.2, has a dramatic effect on the playing surface.