Deconstruction of Palazzetto Dello Sport

This experiment is a deconstruction and an evolution of the Palazzetto Dello Sport designed by Pier Luigi Nervi in Rome. Circle and dome are classic forms standing for stability and permanence. But this project is changing its character that is based on the geometry and materials, making the structure moveable and changable over time.

Movement, curve and circulation are critical characters of this sports building, not only for the physical structure, but also for the atmosphere, human activities, and spirituality. In the explosive process, the structure is spun, twisted and raised. Components are separated into different layers, and the interior spaces are vertically stretched.

How to show movement in the sports building, and make it related to airflow, atmosphere and human activities? Sound is a good medium. A piece of music performed by King Crimson on November 13th, 1973 in Palazzetto Dello Sport is used to reconstruct this conceptual building. The stadium is abstracted to 36 frames. Each frame has 2 connections and an endpoint that are moveable in pace with the music. 

The sequence and positions of these movements are determined by momentary volume and rhythm of sound and texture of instruments. They are transformed to the locations and distances of these moving points. Then, these points are categorized into specific connections and endpoints of the 36 frames. When music is on, the building is dancing with it.

The moments of the movements are recorded and the images are simplified as negative photographs. The slides linearly organized present the change of the structure throughout time.

Classic forms have potential for evolution, which are usually from perception and emotion rather than sense or logic. What is need in contemporary architecture that mainly focuses on function and reason is a balance between sense and sensibility.