Net.Play

Net.Play is a prototype for an education facility and community center designed for Architecture for Humanity and sponsored by Nike GameChangers. This legacy project is intended to be utilized as a practice venue for the 2010 Homeless World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, and then to be utilized by the Santa Cruz community on the far west side of the city. Strawn.Sierralta designed the Football Community Center as a reproducible, affordable, and scalable model for an environmentally sensitive community center for all tropical climates. Net.Play is part of Strawn.Sierralta's commitment to work on pro bono projects that can affect change in Developing Communities worldwide.

Concept Statement:

"The net façade of the Football Community Center is hand-woven by the community as a symbol of teamwork. The neighborhood’s fabric is kept intact by placing the facility above the existing desire line drawn across the block. The open and airy structure collects rainwater, harvests solar power for both energy and hot water production, and allows for natural cross ventilation. A curtain, just inside the net façade, surrounds the entire facility. The curtain is sponsored by local or international business and sports the name or logo of the donor. Changing the curtain changes the entire image of the facility. A stadium landscape invites players and spectators alike to experience the excitement of the Street Football Pitch. Viewers can also utilize the double-sided bleacher or the rooftop deck to enjoy the game of football."

Diagram Sequence

Project Storyboard

Project Data

The Big Issue:  

Importance of education for women and children in low-income areas, especially in the third world and in developing nations.

Project Description: 

A prototype facility utilizing football as a tool for empowerment and social change for women and youth.

Concept:  

To provide an affordable, and scalable, model for an environmentally sensitive community center for tropical climates, that also acts as an icon for the community.

Year:

  2010

Location:  

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Client/Sponsor:  

Architecture for Humanity, Homeless World Cup, and Nike GameChangers

Site:  

Santa Cruz, a densely populated, low-income neighborhood located on the west side of Rio de Janeiro.

Environmental Strategies:  

Rainwater collection, maximized solar protection and collection, total natural ventilation.

Program:  

Clubhouse for street football league, showers, offices, equipment room, flexible classrooms, bleachers and street football pitch.

Scale:  

7,000 sq/ft

Budget:  

$90,000

Team:  

Architecture: Karla Sierralta, Brian Strawn / 3D Visualization: Interior and exterior views by Arccentric (with Alex Al-Hamdan). Aerial site views and axon by William Turoczy