Architects, stadia and sport spectacles: Notes on the role of architects in the building of sport stadia and making of world-class cities

Abstract

From the point of view of the production of consumption this article considers a less often researched aspect of sport spectacles and mega-events: who the agents and institutions are that assemble, build and design the material infrastructure — especially the stadia and facilities. The article seeks to dig below the surface of the reified world of the material infrastructure of global cities to discuss the creators of the emblematic buildings and the leisure and sport spaces constructed to assist in the pursuit or maintenance of ‘world-class’ status. It provides a necessarily brief overview of architects and the architecture field, explores the global spread of stadium and sport facility building and the role of architects in this process. It provides an initial exploration of some issues rather than an account of fieldwork or empirical research.The conclusion summarizes the discussion and identifies future research questions.