The Multi-purpose School of Architecture

Just after posting the Astrodome essay, I realized that while one of the most memorable buildings of its time, it was also part of a School of Architecture that's no longer in session.
Those "circular concrete bowls" hit pro sports like a tidal wave during the 1960s and early-'70s -- from the Astrodome (above) to Atlanta Fulton County Stadium (below)...
All were designed to house both baseball and football. But the compromise of overlapping diamond-shaped and rectangular playing fields resulted in round, monotonous imperfection, with seats incapable of hugging the sidelines.
(above) Washington's RFK Stadium
(below) Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia
Oakland-Alameida County Coliseum Riverfront Stadium in CincinnatiThe Kingdome in Seattle
And Busch Stadium in St. Louis
One thing more... who decided that concrete should be the primary exterior material? It's great for highway ramps and overpasses, but less than captivating for a ballpark. As Yogi Berra once said, "It's deja vu all over again." Finally, Shea Stadium in New York. Less concrete outside, but still an example of architectural compromise.

The circular sweep of the building leaves everyone not directly behind home plate or in the field boxes a subway stop from the action.

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