How can a stadium function as a canopy tree in a rainforest?
Characteristic One: Support and Structure
A canopy tree in a rainforest: Spreading above the rainforest, a canopy tree provides critical support to the ecosystem by creating a dense layer of foliage that protects the flora, fauna and soil below. It shares resources with different tree and plant species, supporting each other to grow.
A sustainable stadium in a city: As monument structures within communities and cities, stadiums can be the focal points for community development. They can serve multiple community purposes and share resources (e.g. energy, water, food, etc.) and spaces with communities and cities. They can support local biodiversity through green elements such as green roofs and walls, native landscaping and wildlife corridors. They can create business and employment opportunities to support local economies and enhance community resilience.
Characteristic Two: Growth and Expansion
A canopy tree in a rainforest: A canopy tree grows and evolves, adding new branches and leaves as needed.
A sustainable stadium in a city: Stadiums can be designed and built for adaptability and expansion, incorporating features that allow future upgrades and modifications to meet evolving community needs, technological advancements and legislative requirements.
Characteristic Three: Connection and Integration
A canopy tree in a rainforest: A canopy tree integrates seamlessly with its environment; it shares resources with other trees and plants, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological balance.
A sustainable stadium in a city: Stadiums can be designed by considering the local climate, biodiversity, geography, culture and history and aesthetically align with the natural landscape. They can be built using local trades, techniques and resources and function as community hubs by hosting different events including local festivals. Stadiums can also enhance community connections by integrating with public transport networks, parks and other social institutions like schools, libraries and galleries.
Characteristic Four: Protection and Defence
A canopy tree in a rainforest: A canopy tree acts as a shield offering protection from extreme weather events to the plants and animals below, regulating temperature and humidity within the forest. It also provides protection from predators for many species that nest and shelter in the canopy.
A sustainable stadium in a city: Stadiums can incorporate stormwater management systems for flood prevention; rainwater harvesting for droughts; renewable energy to support local grids; and battery storage to share with communities during blackouts to maintain the functioning of critical services. Massive spaces within the stadium can be used to store emergency supplies such as food, water, medicines, clothes and rescue equipment. During disasters, stadiums can also function as coordination hubs for local authorities and emergency responders and provide shelters to affected people.
Characteristic Five: Inspiration and Reciprocity
A canopy tree in a rainforest: With its splendid appearance and complexity, a canopy tree can act as a symbol of vitality, strength and stability. It also represents the significance of interconnectedness to enhance living systems. Trees share resources with the same and different species to grow and defend each other from predators, showing their reciprocity.
A sustainable stadium in a city: Stadiums can serve as models for other stadiums and infrastructure by demonstrating best practices and innovation. It can inspire positive behavioural change among people towards environmentally conscious and healthy lifestyle choices. They can exchange resources with other stadiums and infrastructure for mutual benefits. For example, a stadium with a large solar energy system can collaborate with another that has a water treatment plant, enhancing both areas.
Characteristic Six: Support to broader environment
A canopy tree in a rainforest: By removing carbon dioxide, emitting oxygen, filtering air, preventing soil erosion and balancing the water cycle, canopy trees support the survival of whole life systems.
A sustainable stadium in a city: Stadiums can support broader sustainability and climate goals like UN SDGs and net zero targets, contributing to a healthier planet and future for the coming generations.
