The focus of this unit is on sports stadia. Thousands of people use sports stadia. They occupy a variety of roles and present huge opportunities for technological problems which have to be solved.

Some of these problems are hugely complex – how do you arrange to have a sliding roof over the centre court at Wimbledon, which will close quickly when it rains and open again to allow moisture to evaporate and give the conditions that are vital to top level lawn tennis?

Other problems are more small scale – how can refreshment cups be redesigned to make them more attractive, easier to use and disposable in an environmentally friendly way?

Problem How can we cope with getting people in and out quickly? Solution Roll over the image on the left to find out.

Problem How might I stop players and spectators getting wet when it rains? Solution Roll over the image on the left to find out.

Problem How might I have a real grass pitch in an indoor stadium? Solution

Wembley Stadium images courtesy of WNSL

Sapporo Dome image courtesy of WorldStadiums.com