Überlingen Sports Center Superstructure and Envelope Analysis

For this project, we set out to analyze the Überlingen Sports Center, focusing on how its super-structure and enclosure systems work together to support both performance and architectural intent. We concentrated on the junction where the tall wall enclosure meets the primary structure, aiming to understand how structural forces are transferred and how environmental control is maintained in this area.

To communicate our findings, we developed a series of diagrams and drawings, including a central “How It Works” isometric that breaks down the enclosure into its functional layers. We examined how each layer contributes to air, water, and thermal control, and how these systems integrate with the structural frame. We also studied a wall-to-roof connection to show continuity across systems, and sketched out load paths and movement joints to trace how forces flow through the building.

In addition to the poster, we built a physical model at 1:20 scale to represent the selected junction in three dimensions. This allowed us to explore the relationship between structural members and enclosure layers more clearly. By choosing materials that reflect the actual building components, we gained a deeper understanding of how construction techniques support architectural goals and how structure and enclosure work together to shape building performance.