The very essence of sport presupposes movement. A stadium – a theatre of sport – actually contains two performances, which often occur simultaneously. There is the one on the field of play, and the responsive or reactive one from the audience – the spectators.

Play has recommenced in many stadia for TV audiences without the benefit of a 'real' crowd. The joyous communal spectator experience of stadia- whether for sports, music or other spectacular events- is only currently available to us remotely. 

On 17 July 2020 the UK Sports Grounds Safety Authority [SGSA] published draft guidance to help sports grounds plan for social distancing when the Government permits the re-admission of fans. Board Director Neil MacOmish and Director of Practice Helen Taylor consider what this guidance could look like in practice, and how design can help manage risk. 

With over 36 years of design experience, Neil is an expert in the design of sporting venues. Having worked on the 2010 Ryder Cup venue – Celtic Manor in Wales, UK, the SWALEC Stadium, Wales in preparation for the 2009 Ashes Test, the home of the Cardiff Devils Ice Hockey team in Wales, the Kia Oval Cricket Ground in London and the International Sports Village destination in Cardiff to name but a few.

He also recently sat on the Urban Land Institute New York’s Technical Advisory Panel for New York City Football Club’s new stadium.

Helen was awarded Fellowship of the RIBA in 2020, and is an Honorary Research Fellow at Oxford Brookes University. Specialising in Education design for many years, she is committed to sustainability, diversity and inclusive design. Within Scott Brownrigg Helen has responsibility for health and safety by design.