Overview
Architecture studios Populous and Moody Nolan have collaborated on the design of a new professional sports arena intended for Philadelphia. The planned facility is designated to house multiple professional sports franchises, specifically the NBA team the 76ers, the NHL team the Flyers, and a forthcoming WNBA team.
Research Context
The design approach for this new Philadelphia arena draws inspiration from an existing local structure. The conceptualization by Populous and Moody Nolan bases the arena's shape on that of the Spectrum arena, which is described as an iconic Philadelphia landmark.
Approach
The core design methodology employed by Populous and Moody Nolan focused on deriving the aesthetic and structural form of the new arena from the architectural characteristics of the Spectrum arena. This foundational decision influences the overall visual identity of the planned facility.
Findings
The result of the design process undertaken by Populous and Moody Nolan is a set of released designs for a professional basketball and hockey arena. This venue is slated to be the future home for three distinct professional sports teams: the 76ers (NBA), the Flyers (NHL), and an unnamed forthcoming WNBA team. The structural and aesthetic basis for this design is explicitly stated to be the shape of Philadelphia's Spectrum arena.
Why This Matters
The proposed arena design by Populous and Moody Nolan addresses the housing needs of three professional sports teams within Philadelphia. By referencing the Spectrum arena, the design aims to integrate a recognizable local architectural influence into a new facility for basketball and hockey.