MIMSTUDIOS

MIMStudios, in collaboration with Fields Studio, submitted a design entry for a new sports hall in Bursa, Turkey. The project, while not shortlisted, stands as a proud testament to our team’s dedication and vision for large-scale public spaces. Our proposal focused on creating a multifunctional sports facility that integrates harmoniously with its surrounding environment, especially the adjacent public park.

Concept and Design:

The design is anchored by a floating roof structure that extends southward, reciprocating the curvature of nearby running tracks. This roof unites the incongruous program blocks beneath it, including a basketball hall, swimming hall, and central foyer. The structure also helps mitigate solar exposure, while the roof extends into the existing park to foster a sense of continuity between the built environment and the landscape.

Circulation spaces were carefully considered, with visitors and athletes utilizing separate levels to maintain smooth traffic flow. The central foyer connects both the basketball and swimming halls, with back-to-back bleachers accessible from the central spine. Timber-clad skylights throughout the roof structure provide ample natural light, uniting the two main halls and adding warmth to the interior spaces.

Multi-Focus Design Approach:

Rather than focusing on a singular event space, our design promotes a multi-focal experience by incorporating both indoor and semi-open areas. The programmatic components—basketball court, swimming pool, administrative offices, and cafes—are conceived as distinct blocks under the expansive roof. This roof not only covers but also integrates these elements, allowing them to interact freely with outdoor spaces.

A key feature is the roof’s relationship with the public park, where its curving profile mirrors the running track and creates semi-open spaces for public use. These spaces connect the sports hall with the surrounding urban fabric, establishing a sense of openness and inviting public interaction throughout the day.

Integration with Surroundings:

The project’s integration with its surroundings was a central element in the design. The sports hall connects with the Millet Bahçesi park to the south and Reşat Oyal Cultural Park to the west, with open and semi-open spaces extending into these areas. These connections aim to create a continuous public realm, rather than isolating the sports facility as a separate entity.