HOUSTON - New Robertson Stadium (40,000) - Page 3

CougarRed · May 30th, 2012, 10:19 PM

Word is leaking that Manhattan Construction will be the general contractor.

Also, apparently one of the design ideas DLR + PSP pitched was a stadium that could be lit up at night similar to an Omni Hotel.

CougarRed · June 13th, 2012, 02:13 AM

Today, UH officially announced that PageSoutherlandPage and DLR Group will design the stadium.

PageSoutherlandPage will be led by principal in charge Jeffrey Bricker, design principal in charge Lawrence Speck and senior designer David Quenemoen. DLR Group will be led by stadium project manager Don Barnum and lead stadium designer Greg Garlock.

According to the UH Athletic Director Mack Rhoades, the architects will have a blank canvas. The renderings that were done by AECOM Ellerbe Becket as a part of the 2009 feasibility study are not being used.

Rhoades: "Let’s look at this from all different angles, all different perspectives, we want to do this right, we want to be unique. You get one opportunity and I’m confident we’ve hired the right architects.”

The first two design decisions, which Rhoades said that they hope to make within the next four weeks, is the orientation of the stadium and depth. UH and the design firms will need to decide whether the stadium stays in its current orientation (going northwest to southeast), goes to a true north-south setup or even a possible east-west look. How far the stadium goes into the ground will also be something that will need deciding.

Both the Daily Cougar article and the DLR press release talk about maximizing shaded areas for fans, as well as air flow through the stadium.

I assume that the field orientation decision will be made based in part on these priorities. Prevailing winds in Houston during September-November are from the South/Southeast. During late August to early October (the hottest months in football season for Houston residents), the Sun sets slightly West-Northwest in late August rotating to slightly West-Southwest in early October, suggesting maximum shade during the hottest weeks in a true N-S field orientation. Also, they want to maximize the views of the Houston downtown skyline which will play a role in orientation.

The Houston water table will determine how far below grade the stadium can be built if they go that route.

CougarRed · June 21st, 2012, 09:48 AM

The DLR/PSP concepts presented in their winning bid have not been made public. However, Houston head football coach Tony Levine was recently given a private showing, and here's his tweet:

@ CoachTonyLevine Had a private screening yesterday of the new stadium concepts by @ PSPAEC (Page Southerland Page) & @ DLRGroup . All I can say is one word: Wow

Apparently, others have also seen the concepts in private. Some details are leaking:

The goal of the stadium is to be one of the 10 most recognizable college football stadiums in the country.

As mentioned in a post above, one of the concepts to achieve this goal is a stadium that lights up. I have now been told the concept is similar to Allianz Arena in Germany.

Allianz is wrapped in lighting for 360 degrees and from top to bottom. The UH lighting will probably be the upper part of the stadium, and not full circumfrence. But something that can be seen for miles.

The concept for stadium orientation is a counterclockwise turn towards the West. Not full East-West, but more WNW-ESE than the stadium currently sites. This would do 2 things:

1. Give the premium seat holders (suite, club, loge) on the Home side a view of the downtown skyline (which is 3 miles away).

2. Align the visitors side of the stadium parallel with the new stadium parking garage, which is a 5-story 2500 car structure.

This would allow a crosswalk from the roof of the parking garage into the stadium.

GunnerJacket · June 21st, 2012, 07:51 PM

Seems a tall order for a $120M budget. I imagine they might be thinking more like a translucent shell a la nearby Compass Stadium. Either way, I can see where they might feel the need to for something splashy to try and put Cougar football on the national radar. Obviously that idea would look far different than the concept render at the start of the thread, then.

CougarRed · July 7th, 2012, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spacecityroller

The timing now makes more sense also because they are in the middle of construction of the new stadium parking garage.

You can see the current Robertson Stadium in the back left of this image. The amount of parking that would be taken up by the construction of the new stadium would cause a parking nightmare. The new stadium parking garage will have 1500 spaces with space for retail on the ground floor of the stadium side of the garage. The garage will be finished in May 2012. Also, the new SE light rail line is expected to take away 100-150 parking spaces from the parking lot behind the stadium.

I would bet that there will be a sky walk from the top floor of this parking garage into the new stadium.

The 4-story $25M Parking Garage is finished now. It has 2450 spaces, not 1500. And you are right - there are rumors of a skyway from the garage into the new stadium.

Here's the orientation of the old stadium to the Houston skyline (S) and the new parking garage (white rectangle). They are looking at turning the field "counterclockwise" to align it parallel the new parking garage. This would give the home side (i.e. premium club/loge/suites) a skyline view.

For perspective, here is the Skyline view:

CougarRed · July 13th, 2012, 08:01 PM

Manhattan Construction has been hired for the UH Stadium according to local Fox TV sports reporter Mark Berman

They built Reliant Stadium, Jerry World and the new Dynamo Stadium.

Here is the official press release.

The scuttlebutt is that the "Initial Programming" part of the process was approved and completed about a month ago. We are currently in the "Schematic Design" phase which should conclude in ~September. This phase takes the elements identified in the approved Program of the project and starts to look at layout and how these spaces relate to each other within the site outlined.

After that, the "Design Development" phase will take 3-5 months. Knowing the spatial arrangements of the items in the Program, this phase will get into the meat and potatoes of what the new stadium will look like. Design concepts pitched in selection phase will be revisited along with design influences from the Architectural firm and from the owner. We should expect early renderings at the completion of this phase in late 2012/early 2013. The demolition of the old Robertson Stadium will occur immediately after the season is over as this phase wraps up.

Finally, the "Construction Document" phase will take another 3-5 months. This phase defines to the finest detail what will be the scope of the project and what will be built by the Construction Manager/General Contractor. Finishes such as paint and trim and materials will all be set forth in the plans and the specifications and more detailed renderings of not only exterior elevations but interior spaces will become available.

Here's an article about the hiring of Manhattan in which AD Mack Rhoades reaffirms the schedule is to tear down Robertson in December, and break ground on the new stadium in January.

WesTexas · July 15th, 2012, 06:52 AM

When will the new concepts and renderings be released?

CougarRed · July 16th, 2012, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WesTexas

When will the new concepts and renderings be released?

We expect early renderings in December 2012/January 2013.

Detailed renderings in the April/May of 2013.

ihav3nofri3ndzz · July 18th, 2012, 08:38 AM

that seems like a huge parking garage for it's use? how big is the univ of houston?

diablo234 · July 18th, 2012, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ihav3nofri3ndzz

that seems like a huge parking garage for it's use? how big is the univ of houston?

The University of Houston has about 40,000 students and it is the third largest university in the state after University of Texas in Austin and Texas A&M in College Station so it is pretty sizable.

ihav3nofri3ndzz · July 18th, 2012, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diablo234

The University of Houston has about 40,000 students and it is the third largest university in the state after University of Texas in Austin and Texas A&M in College Station so it is pretty sizable.

makes sense then. Didn't realize Houston was such a large university.

JJG · July 19th, 2012, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ihav3nofri3ndzz

makes sense then. Didn't realize Houston was such a large university.

Well even so, the city of Houston is fuckin' HUGE with car culture, so yeah, that garage is just about the right size.

ihav3nofri3ndzz · July 19th, 2012, 03:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJG

Well even so, the city of Houston is fuckin' HUGE with car culture, so yeah, that garage is just about the right size.

yes, but car culture doesn't warrant a 2500 space parking lot for a 40k seat stadium that already has parking around it. I get that they are wanting to build a new stadium, but it just seems like overkill to me. I'm not saying it won't get used though. That's why I was curious about the size of the school and if there was parking anywhere else around.

JJG · July 19th, 2012, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ihav3nofri3ndzz

yes, but car culture doesn't warrant a 2500 space parking lot for a 40k seat stadium that already has parking around it. I get that they are wanting to build a new stadium, but it just seems like overkill to me. I'm not saying it won't get used though. That's why I was curious about the size of the school and if there was parking anywhere else around.

Well it's not just for the stadium...

Besides, there could be plazas and more greenspace around the New Robertson, and if that's the case, I'm for it.

ihav3nofri3ndzz · July 19th, 2012, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJG

Well it's not just for the stadium...

Besides, there could be plazas and more greenspace around the New Robertson, and if that's the case, I'm for it.

definitely agree about green space. I'd much rather have parking structure than a bunch of lots surrounding a stadium.

edit: plus, having a big structure now will make expanding a bit easier without having to add on to the garage. it's already big enough. that is of course, assuming they can win without Keenum.

WesTexas · July 19th, 2012, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diablo234

The University of Houston has about 40,000 students and it is the third largest university in the state after University of Texas in Austin and Texas A&M in College Station so it is pretty sizable.

Really? I figured Tech would be number 3. color me impressed.

diablo234 · July 21st, 2012, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WesTexas

Really? I figured Tech would be number 3. color me impressed.

Texas Tech is actually ranked as the sixth largest in the state with 32,327 students right after the University of North Texas in Denton which has 35,694 students.

KingmanIII · July 21st, 2012, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WesTexas

Really? I figured Tech would be number 3. color me impressed.

One is a commuter school located within one of the nation's largest metro areas.

The other is located in Lubbock.

JJG · July 22nd, 2012, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KingmanIII

One is a commuter school located within one of the nation's largest metro areas.

The other is located in Lubbock.

CougarRed · July 24th, 2012, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KingmanIII

One is a commuter school located within one of the nation's largest metro areas.

Houston's campus is becoming more traditional. UH is no more "commuter" than the other major Texas universities. By 2014 there will be ~8500 beds on campus at UH. Compare:

A&M - 9800 beds
UT - 7200 beds
Tech - 6400 beds

May 30th, 2012, 10:19 PM	#41
CougarRed Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 65 Likes (Received): 4	Word is leaking that Manhattan Construction will be the general contractor. Also, apparently one of the design ideas DLR + PSP pitched was a stadium that could be lit up at night similar to an Omni Hotel. Last edited by CougarRed; May 31st, 2012 at 12:40 AM.

June 13th, 2012, 02:13 AM	#42
CougarRed Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 65 Likes (Received): 4	Today, UH officially announced that PageSoutherlandPage and DLR Group will design the stadium. PageSoutherlandPage will be led by principal in charge Jeffrey Bricker, design principal in charge Lawrence Speck and senior designer David Quenemoen. DLR Group will be led by stadium project manager Don Barnum and lead stadium designer Greg Garlock. According to the UH Athletic Director Mack Rhoades, the architects will have a blank canvas. The renderings that were done by AECOM Ellerbe Becket as a part of the 2009 feasibility study are not being used. Rhoades: "Let’s look at this from all different angles, all different perspectives, we want to do this right, we want to be unique. You get one opportunity and I’m confident we’ve hired the right architects.” The first two design decisions, which Rhoades said that they hope to make within the next four weeks, is the orientation of the stadium and depth. UH and the design firms will need to decide whether the stadium stays in its current orientation (going northwest to southeast), goes to a true north-south setup or even a possible east-west look. How far the stadium goes into the ground will also be something that will need deciding. Both the Daily Cougar article and the DLR press release talk about maximizing shaded areas for fans, as well as air flow through the stadium. I assume that the field orientation decision will be made based in part on these priorities. Prevailing winds in Houston during September-November are from the South/Southeast. During late August to early October (the hottest months in football season for Houston residents), the Sun sets slightly West-Northwest in late August rotating to slightly West-Southwest in early October, suggesting maximum shade during the hottest weeks in a true N-S field orientation. Also, they want to maximize the views of the Houston downtown skyline which will play a role in orientation. The Houston water table will determine how far below grade the stadium can be built if they go that route. Last edited by CougarRed; June 14th, 2012 at 11:36 AM.

June 21st, 2012, 09:48 AM	#43
CougarRed Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 65 Likes (Received): 4	The DLR/PSP concepts presented in their winning bid have not been made public. However, Houston head football coach Tony Levine was recently given a private showing, and here's his tweet: @ CoachTonyLevine Had a private screening yesterday of the new stadium concepts by @ PSPAEC (Page Southerland Page) & @ DLRGroup . All I can say is one word: Wow Apparently, others have also seen the concepts in private. Some details are leaking: The goal of the stadium is to be one of the 10 most recognizable college football stadiums in the country. As mentioned in a post above, one of the concepts to achieve this goal is a stadium that lights up. I have now been told the concept is similar to Allianz Arena in Germany. Allianz is wrapped in lighting for 360 degrees and from top to bottom. The UH lighting will probably be the upper part of the stadium, and not full circumfrence. But something that can be seen for miles. The concept for stadium orientation is a counterclockwise turn towards the West. Not full East-West, but more WNW-ESE than the stadium currently sites. This would do 2 things: 1. Give the premium seat holders (suite, club, loge) on the Home side a view of the downtown skyline (which is 3 miles away). 2. Align the visitors side of the stadium parallel with the new stadium parking garage, which is a 5-story 2500 car structure. This would allow a crosswalk from the roof of the parking garage into the stadium. Last edited by CougarRed; June 21st, 2012 at 10:06 AM.

June 21st, 2012, 07:51 PM	#44
GunnerJacket Blah de da Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Chicken City Posts: 2,214 Likes (Received): 48	Seems a tall order for a $120M budget. I imagine they might be thinking more like a translucent shell a la nearby Compass Stadium. Either way, I can see where they might feel the need to for something splashy to try and put Cougar football on the national radar. Obviously that idea would look far different than the concept render at the start of the thread, then. __________________ "Now that's what I call a dead parrot."

July 13th, 2012, 08:01 PM	#46
CougarRed Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 65 Likes (Received): 4	Manhattan Construction has been hired for the UH Stadium according to local Fox TV sports reporter Mark Berman They built Reliant Stadium, Jerry World and the new Dynamo Stadium. Here is the official press release. The scuttlebutt is that the "Initial Programming" part of the process was approved and completed about a month ago. We are currently in the "Schematic Design" phase which should conclude in ~September. This phase takes the elements identified in the approved Program of the project and starts to look at layout and how these spaces relate to each other within the site outlined. After that, the "Design Development" phase will take 3-5 months. Knowing the spatial arrangements of the items in the Program, this phase will get into the meat and potatoes of what the new stadium will look like. Design concepts pitched in selection phase will be revisited along with design influences from the Architectural firm and from the owner. We should expect early renderings at the completion of this phase in late 2012/early 2013. The demolition of the old Robertson Stadium will occur immediately after the season is over as this phase wraps up. Finally, the "Construction Document" phase will take another 3-5 months. This phase defines to the finest detail what will be the scope of the project and what will be built by the Construction Manager/General Contractor. Finishes such as paint and trim and materials will all be set forth in the plans and the specifications and more detailed renderings of not only exterior elevations but interior spaces will become available. Here's an article about the hiring of Manhattan in which AD Mack Rhoades reaffirms the schedule is to tear down Robertson in December, and break ground on the new stadium in January. Last edited by CougarRed; July 14th, 2012 at 08:39 PM.

July 15th, 2012, 06:52 AM	#47
WesTexas Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Dallas/Amarillo Posts: 481 Likes (Received): 2	When will the new concepts and renderings be released?

July 18th, 2012, 08:38 AM	#49
ihav3nofri3ndzz Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 92 Likes (Received): 0	that seems like a huge parking garage for it's use? how big is the univ of houston?

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode