Rockingham Motor Speedway, Corby
Ridge carried out master planning of the site and designed all the circuit buildings at the Rockingham Motor Speedway development at Corby. This included pits and paddocks facilities, media facilities, corporate entertaining suites and seating for over 60,000 spectators housed in a massive 270m long grandstand.
The one and a half mile banked oval track and all-seater stadium offers fantastic views of over 90% of the track from every seat. The development required extensive infrastructure to service the motor racing crowds.
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Eurasia Autodrome Domededovo race circuit
Eurasia City LLC has appointed Ridge and Partners and Apex Circuit Design to provide architectural, master planning, race circuit and engineering design. The final design for a 3.0km circuit, satisfying FIA requirements, has been concluded and was issued to the FIA for design review in February; design approval has been granted by the FIA Circuits Commission to Grade 2 standard.
The project will be developed over two phases; Phase 1, a 1.7km Category 3 race circuit for Russian National racing, will be completed in Autumn 2008; Phase 2, the extension to 3.0km and Category 2 status will be completed by Autumn 2009.
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British Racing Drivers Club
From the successful competition winning design to occupation in time for the 1999 British Grand Prix the building was detailed and constructed in 11 months.
The contemporary clubhouse is designed to reflect the excitement of motor racing as well as the dynamisms of the famous racing club.
Both the views from the building and views of the building from the circuit were equally important and the seamless glass façade provides excellent viewing from the ground and first floor and the tensile fabric roof provides open are viewing from the best location at Silverstone. This combination of an excellent spectator experience and iconic architecture is now accepted across the world of sport architecture.
Winner SNHDC Design Award
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FIA Framework
The FIA framework has given us the opportunity to engage with a variety of culturally rich briefs that demand solutions.
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Australia
To the north and east of the site in Melbourne, the You Yangs mountain range forms the backdrop on the horizon, to the south there are glimpses of the Port Phillip Bay and the ocean, to the east and west the boundaries are lined by gum trees that allow glimpses through to the landscape beyond.
The buildings are to be designed to be modular, adaptable and constructed to incorporate as many sustainable features as is practical and that the local conditions allow. The objective of the architectural theme is to create a unique destination that will become recognisable nationally and internationally. The theme will reflect the aspiration to be ‘The Motor Sport Centre of Excellence’ for the State of Victoria and Australia.
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Finland
Finland has a long and prestigious history in international motor sport producing many illustrious drivers and World Champions from a plethora of racing disciplines; to many it would be surprising to discover that there is no FIA homologated circuit.
The Client, the Finnish people and AKK Motorsport recognise that the standard of global competition in motor sport is advancing at such a pace that the absence of an FIA homologated racing venue in Finland would make it difficult to nurture the next generation of Finnish International drivers.
The Client’s aim is therefore to design a
multi disciplinary motor sport destination that
considers all of the latest safety legislation to
facilitate FIA and CIK homologation a race
circuit and a new kart circuit respectively so that
international motor sport events can be held on Finnish asphalt and that the, already class leading, Finnish training programme for young drivers can have a base to raise the standard of training to a new level.
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Malaysia
The Malaysian circuit masterplan is centred around the existing, flower-shaped grandstand that stands as the internationally recognised symbol of Sepang. The overall theme will reflect Malaysian regional and national culture and use construction methods and materials suitable for the area.
The surrounding palm oil plantations and tropical humidity create a unique site environment. A giant boulevard and plaza will draw visitors to the heart of the track and to the entrance of the iconic ‘flower’ grandstand.
The commercial strategy is to allow developers to build out large parts of the project in accordance with the recommendations of the master plan. The project has evolved into distinct areas that will have their own characteristics and that will attract different types of customers.
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Isle of Man
The Isle of Man is famous for its TT motorbike racing event, which began in 1904 as a motorcar race. TT stands for Tourist Trophy. From 1905, the TT was held as a closed roads motorcycle racing event and the original course was extended in the 1920s to use the current Snaefell Mountain Course.
Culture of the Isle of Man is influenced by its Celtic and to a lesser extent its Norse origins, though its close proximity to the UK, popularity as a UK tourist destination, and recent mass immigration by British migrant workers has meant that British influence has been dominant for a substantial period.
The architecture of this proposed development will be appropriate for the location, rational, simple and understated. It will reflect the desire for a sustainable project, be used as a backdrop for the racing and enable more spectator opportunities onto the TT course. However the style will be modern, using traditional materials in a low impact way, focusing on the creation of a landmark structure on the start/finish straight.
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India
Chennai is a major centre for music, art and culture in India. The city is known for its classical dance shows and Hindu temples.
Chennai architecture is a confluence of many architectural styles. From ancient Dravidian temples built by the Pallavas, to the Indo‐Saracenic style (pioneered in Madras) of the colonial era, to 20th century steel and chrome of skyscrapers.
The Architectural theme of the Vision Plan is about creating a new identity and sense of place for the site and the Club. In many respects the site offers a blank canvas for a new and exciting development aimed at reinvigorating the Circuit and establishing the site as a top class leisure destination for Chennai.
The circuit buildings such as the garages and race control are envisaged as simple contemporary well designed structures made from locally available materials. The intention is to design along passive environmental guidelines, to minimise the amount of energy and resources required to operate them. A Country Club will offer an opportunity to establish a main identity of the development and is the starting point for the
Architectural theme for other site buildings.
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Barbados
The forty year old Bushy Park circuit in the St. Philip area of Barbados has been confirmed as the country’s National home for motor sport. A major redevelopment of the area has been proposed and work on the Bushy Park plan is already well under way. The proposal is to create a multi-use venue for motor sport, alongside a broader community-based entertainment area. The outline plan is to redevelop Bushy Park to meet a FIA Category 3 homologation, which would require increasing the circuit length by around 50 per cent and its width by roughly three metres. Retaining the existing circuit, the design features a second loop, through the current pit area, with link roads to create more than one circuit layout.
As well as circuit racing, the plan features a drag strip, a CIK Grade A kart track and areas for autocross, dexterity, drifting and rallycross; the venue would also be on offer for industry and road safety driver training programmes.
Apex Circuit Design has teamed with Ridge and Partners, (acting as Architects, Project Managers, Cost Consultants and Environmental Consultants), KPMG (tasked with assessing the commercial viability and sustainability of the Project) and Scott Wilson, (providing engineering services) for this challenging facility. The BMF has secured considerable local support from government and from local engineering partners who are working closely with the team.
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Poland
The site is located about 1 hour to the south west of Warsaw in an area dominated by low density settlement and agricultural land. Environmental concerns are high on the national agenda; Poland has some of the most polluted water courses in Europe.
The architectural theme will put forward sustainable building and low carbon development, as materials and labour can mostly be locally sourced. Construction methods proposed will use reasonably available materials and methods that can be recycled at the end of their use. Buildings will be designed so that they can easily be constructed in phases to allow potential future growth; overall, the proposals will reflect the desire for a sustainable infrastructure and backdrop for the racing.
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Eastern Creek
Ridge were commissioned by Apex Circuit Design to provide design services and cost consultancy for a detailed study by the Australian Racing Drivers Club (ARDC) for Eastern Creek International Raceway. The estimated cost of construction is in the region of $95 million and covers an area of approximately 90 hectares. The commission looked at remodelling of the track to extend it to 4.7 km to include a variety of national and international events including Formula 1 and a drifting circuit. In addition Ridge looked at the provision of new grandstands and an iconic feature building. The design team were determined to keep the green parkland feel to the circuit which overlooks the Blue Mountains.
To increase the revenue return the redevelopment offers six permutations, some of which can be run simultaneously, thus substantially increasing the revenue return for corporate and private events. In addition the masterplan included for an iconic building and industrial units all of which would provide potential revenue to increase the turnover for the ARDC. Rather than taking a blinkered approach and just assessing the track the design team looked far broader at a huge variance of possibilities to assist ARDC in maximising their turnover, and ultimately their profit.
The ARDC president John Cotter said that the "...report does more than meet the immediate need. It maps a blueprint for a strategy which could contribute substantially to tourism and further global recognition of Sydney."
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Bahrain Kart Circuit
The Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain see the new facility at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), as a catalyst for the future growth of the economy and the foundation for a string of innovative investments.Having successfully delivered the Grand Prix for a number of years, BIC is trying to develop and build motorsport in the Middle East in a structured fashion by offering a complete spectrum of driving experiences from driver training, drag racing (the traditional' motorsport activity in the region) to four wheel drive experiences.
Ridge was brought in at the initial concept and is commissioned to deliver the completed project in time for the 2009 Formula One Grand Prix.
Ridge has developed the masterplan with Apex Circuit Design. Phase I will include an international standard kart track, a pit building of 32 garages and a kart centre Reception building with changing areas, dining space, a workshop, and storage. Phase II will see a piazza, retail units and restaurants, as well as a drive-in cinema.
Environmental measures have been incorporated within the design of the whole development to reduce the amount of electricity used, to maximise the way the water is used and to reduce the impact of light pollution. Harvested rainwater water (stored in a huge rainwater catchment tank under the piazza) will reduce consumption and grey water will be recycled for irrigation. Ridge is investigating the use of solar power (for heating domestic hot water), solar lighting and are incorporating passive measures such as fixed brise soleil, careful planning of building orientation and the selection of appropriate materials for his kind of environment.
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Singapore
Ridge and Apex Circuit Design with KPMG and Motorsport Asia have undertaken a pre-feasibility study for the development of a Category 2 circuit in Singapore.
At Changi there is a great opportunity to use the airfield to provide an exciting context for high performance motorsport engineering with a dramatic waterside backdrop.
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F1 Circuit, Paris
A consortium of French and British firms is to oversee the design and construction of the new home for the French Grand Prix. The circuit will be located in the municipalities of Flins-sur-Seine and les Mureaux just west of Paris in the Département des Yvelines and will see the return of Formula 1 to France.
The track is due to be completed in spring 2011 in time to be able to host the race later that summer.
The project site provides an ideal setting for a national sporting venue as it is adjacent to the River Seine and has a gently undulating topography and rural feel, despite nearby urban areas. Multiple overtaking opportunities and a challenge for drivers are included in the circuit design developed by internationally renowned firm Apex Circuit Design. It will be integrated into a parkland landscape and will be engineered to reduce flood impact, enhance ground water protection, and apply best-practice for noise attenuation.
Apex has invited long term technical partners Ridge and Scott Wilson to provide design services, including track civil engineering, project management and quantity surveying to the lead consultant, Wilmotte and Associates, France's premier architect. In addition, SNC-Lavalin will be the engineering consultant for all buildings and will be lead project cost consultant, with Sogreah acting as water consultant. The overall client is the Conseil General des Yvelines and public funding has been secured for the project.
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Moscow Circuit, Nagatino Island
Strategic development and master planning for a world class motorsport facility close to the centre of Moscow.
The plan was to incorporate riverside leisure development and infield residential and a commercial district, to create a destination island for Moscow entertainment.
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Brasilia
Ridge and Apex Design have also undertaken a feasibility report into the remodelling of the existing race track and provision of new pit facilities and grandstands at Brasilia to meet the standards as required by the FIA for Formula 1 and A1GP racing.
The challenge of the design was to provide a Category 1 circuit capable of hosting Formula 1 and A1GP events whilst maintaining the characteristics of challenging corners with good overtaking potential, very smooth asphalt and good drainage and cross falls.
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Capetown International Raceway
A feasibility study to develop a world class motorsport facility near to Capetown airport.
The scheme included several race track permutations, corporate hospitality suites, pit and paddock facilities, and a large grandstand for views over the whole area. Speedboat racing, popular in South Africa, is provided for, within the infield also making use of the spectator grandstand and destination for motor sport.
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Chongqing International Circuit
Production of a rapid master planning site analysis for the Chongqing City government to assess the suitability of alternative sites for the development of a motor racing circuit and related motor themed developments.
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Zipmax: Concept - "Zip Parks"
Zip Max: Zip ‘Power’ show room; Zip ‘Max’ accessory facility; Hang-out area - a cool place to see and be seen; Diner/ restaurant; Cruise strip
Zip Circuit: Briefing room; Simulator – of kart on the track and gaming area; Changing room; 1200m length contoured track; 8m wide minimum; 10m in the corners; Championship circuit – sub-divisible; Advertising configured for TV
Zip Pits: Pit garages – tented structure shading, viewing from the top; Storage – 25 karts, stacked 4 or 5 high; Storage for customer karts
Motor Dealerships
6 motorcar show rooms
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Eurasia Moscow Offroad Centre
Ridge and Partners LLP, and Apex Circuit Design Ltd, have been appointed to provide architectural, master planning, off road circuit and engineering design for the Moscow Offroad Centre. Xtreme Offroad, has also been appointed as sub-consultant to provide technical advice for the design and operation of the offroad course. The design team intend to create an exciting and technically demanding destination to entertain all levels of ability of driver and vehicle aimed at entertaining a wide range of clients including corporate guests, vehicle manufacturers and “arrive and drive” customers. It may also share some of the more ‘high end’ clients from nearby Autodrome, and provide testing facilities for customers’ own off road vehicles, e.g. BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne, in a safe and secure environment. This has been achieved through a sympathetic approach to the natural topography of the site. The site is less than 1km from the proposed Eurasia Autodrome Domodedovo, the host of the first ever FIA GT Championship race to be held in Russia in 2010.
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