The original award-winning Ken Rosewall Arena used a pair of elegant tension rings to balance loads from the pre-cast concrete bowl against the perimeter canopy roof. Arup's challenge was to maintain the beautiful bowl and upgrade the roof to provide full coverage using a large span cable net. Timing was critical, with only 12 months from initial concept to the first World Cup tennis event.
Developing an efficient digital workflow was fundamental to achieving the tight deadline and enabled delivery of a world class design. As part of the digital process, Arup delivered everything in a 3D model environment, without traditional drawings. This approach formed the basis for the digital workflow, which parametrically linked Rhino and Grasshopper directly to the structural analysis, documentation and fabrication models.
The geometry was form-found in Grasshopper, before being automatically pushed to analysis, enabling the team to experiment and quickly identify the optimum structural geometry. The Redaelli wire ropes were ordered within three weeks; connections were documented and fabrication geometry delivered within six.
Digital innovation enabled the rapid design of a highly efficient, low carbon, elegant structural solution within the tight deadline. The result – a world class venue delivered in 12 months.
A digital sprint: from concept design to World Cup stadium in 12 months