Stadium Architecture and Urban Development from the Perspective of Urban Economics

Gabriel Ahlfeldt and Wolfgang Maennig

International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, 2010, vol. 34, issue 3, 629-646

Abstract: Abstract A range of econometric studies suggest that neither major sports events nor related new stadium construction typically have any appreciable effect on income or employment at municipal scale. However, one important issue has long been ignored in the literature: architectural quality. At present, international stadium architecture is gaining markedly in significance. New stadia are intended to serve as visiting cards for their hometowns and to accelerate urban (re)development. This article discusses the current transition in international stadium architecture and demonstrates important trends, such as the use of iconic elements, by means of selected examples. We provide an overview of the first evidence for the welfare effects of the built environment as well as of expected stadium‐related social costs and benefits. The article also reviews the first empirical evidence for the impact of a stadium at neighborhood scale. Unconventional stadium architecture is recommended as a means of either supporting area rehabilitation or amplifying the image and spending effects produced by professional sports. Résumé Un arsenal d'études économétriques suggère que ni les grands événements sportifs, ni la construction des nouveaux stades pour les accueillir n'ont généralement d'impact sensible sur le revenu ou l'emploi à l'échelon municipal. Toutefois, les publications ont longtemps négligé un aspect important: la qualité architecturale. Aujourd'hui, l'architecture des stades internationaux gagne clairement en prégnance. Les nouveaux stades servent de carte de visite aux villes et à accélérer l'aménagement ou la rénovation urbaine. L'article analyse la transition que connaît actuellement l'architecture des stades internationaux et dégage les tendances importantes, telles que les composantes iconiques, à partir d'une sélection d'exemples. Sont présentées les premières indications concernant les effets de l'environnement construit sur le bien‐être, ainsi que les coûts et avantages sociaux attendus relatifs à un stade. L'article examine aussi les premières données empiriques concernant l'impact d'un stade à l'échelon d'un quartier. Une architecture non conventionnelle est conseillée soit pour accompagner la réhabilitation d'une zone, soit pour amplifier les effets au niveau de l'image et des dépenses que génèrent les sports professionnels.

Date: 2010
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