Architecture for Formula 1

[architect]

hi ciro..im an architecture student..n currently doing my thesis on formula 1 race complex..that is..im proposing a design for f1 race complex.its a big task..but im not being able to collect much data on "ARCHITECTURE" related to it..such as the racing facilities..areas,spaces..dimensions etc..can anyone send me some information regarding anything about architecture of race complex..??i would be happy if i get some basic drawings of track design andalso grand stand design and pit building specifications..plz help me...!! [-o<

[Kester]

For someone who is doing architecture on a formula 1 complex you don't seem to be very clued up. A quick look on google for tilke or something like Donington park revamp should give you a good starting point.

Here is what I found in 2 mins http://www.donington-park.co.uk/formula-one-plans

[Ciro Pabón]

Thanks, Kester, for the link, and welcome.

Architect, welcome. Here you have some links I've in my Favorites list, you probably know them already, most of them are taken from FIA's page on circuits regulations, but...

- Stadium design A Daab Design Book, U$27, good. I've taken info on stands, entrances and parking from this book (more like a pamphlet, but...)

- Trends in Stadium Design: A Whole New Game Some interesting ideas.

- F1 Technical Regulations, Appendix H: "Recommendations for the supervision of the road and emergency services".

Here you find rules of thumb about control room, starters platform, control posts on track, lights, and types of vehicles used (and thus, by inferrence, parking and access to track requirements).

- F1 Technical Regulations, Appendix O: "Procedures for the Recognition of Motor Racing Circuits".

Method for structure approval, some inspections and documents you have to present, list of circuit types (1-6 and ovals) and conditions for grading (very important if you do a design "by stages").

Here you have chapter 7 on circuit "conception": max length of straights (2 km), obligation of race-line oriented design (instead of using the centerline), max/min length of track and max number of starting cars (including practices) for grid design.

- FIA's "List of Requirements for the Circuit Drawing":

Specification of layers in Autocad, which gives you a clue about the types of vehicles, barriers, etc. you have to use. Includes some examples of drawings. If you ask FIA by mail, they will send you the examples in Autocad format.

- FIA's "Autocad templates with blocks and linetypes"

Includes some examples of drawings, Autocad blocks (dwg) of objects and a "blank" drawing.

- FIA's Procedures for the recognition of drag strips.

In case your design includes one, like the more recent tracks (check Bahrain, for example).

- FIA's "Recommended light signals for standing starts in circuit events"

Specs for flag lights (the ones that replace flags at some tracks) and start lights.

- Lodz-Nowosky Track design:

A project for a Formula One track, designed by two students as thesis (they might help a fellow architect), in Polish. You'll find their e-mails in the link at the bottom of the page.

- Apex's Clive Brown in a conference on circuit desing, using Power Civil

- Lewis Hamilton's perfect circuit

A mixture of curves taken from different circuits, put together by Mr. Hamilton. It might give you ideas, but it has all the characteristics of Frankenstein design. You know, Dr. Frankestein choose the best parts from cadavers and then he got a monster. It's what system engineers call "sub-optimization": it doesn't work, period. Anyway, click on "Supercircuit". He choose those curves:

1. Turn 8, Istanbul Speed Park
2. Estoril, Magny Cours
3. 130R, Suzuka
4. Eau Rouge, Spa-Francorchamps
5. Tabac, Monaco
6. Turn 1, Suzuka
7. Pouhon, Spa-Francorchamps
8. Casino Square, Monaco
9. Mergulho, Interlagos (I don't think Massa shares Hamilton's taste: at this curve he lost last championship)
10. Copse, Silverstone (7th gear, 290 kph, 4.5g)

Course Safety and Emergency Response in Motor Sport

Gives you some ideas about safety features.

Some famous designers websites:

Wilson Motorsport
Tilke
Motor Racing Design Consultants
Apex Motorsport Managements

Finally, my list of tracks around the world, to be seen in Google Earth. It includes all circuits in Formula One since 1950, plus around 800 circuits in the world: Ciro's Circuits

I have no time right now, I might come back with a couple of sources on more concrete info, but unfortunately I have to look for them. As I said, this is almost a copy/paste of my Favorites in the theme of circuit design.

[architect]

THANK U CIRO N KESTER..im glad that u replied my comment...thanks..the information u provoded is very helpful..especially the donnington park one...please continue ur feedback..thanx once again..

[Steven]

Hi,

here is another interesting article:
http://www.f1technical.net/articles/59

It was submitted by a Dutch student who had done his thesis to design a solution for the then problematic pitlane complex at the Monaco Grand Prix.

[Henning]

I love that design for the new pitlane in Monaco. Interesting that the pit lane and the start/finish straight next to it will run in different directions.

[Conceptual]

Hi,

here is another interesting article:
http://www.f1technical.net/articles/59

It was submitted by a Dutch student who had done his thesis to design a solution for the then problematic pitlane complex at the Monaco Grand Prix.

I have to say BRAVO to that!

One has to wonder however, why the "left side" in the renders is so grandstand vacant? I mean just making it have a 100ft pad out there could give you 5star hotel balconies to watch from, not to mention a perfect place to launch emergency vehicles from...

I must say that outside the box thinking like this is what makes me smile!

Thanks Tomba for that link!

PS: Where is teh fFactor track md for this?!?! I'll deffinately be stopping by the forums there to see if anyone would be interested in this!

[jurgen.vassallo]

Dear All,

I am an architecture student currently working upon my final year thesis project which requires me to design an F1 circuit together with it's surrounding Paddock building, Grandstand, Medical wing, and media centre.

Although I have been able to obtain quite a lot of information through the links posted so far, I was wondering whether any of you could possibly know of some valid source whereby I could obtain standards or some form of a design guidance with regards to the above mentioned buildings.

I would very much appreciate any help, as I have not been so lucky upto this point, particularly with some of the leading architects, who have failed to reply or even refused to give me any indications as to where I may seek such information.

I thank you all in advance for your help.

Regards,
JV

[Richard]

You should be able to download the Silvertone plans from the planners department of the local council website. I guess other countries have similar requirements for plans to be made public? Austin planners may have the new circuit details on record.

Where are you studying?

[jurgen.vassallo]

Hi there, I am currently studying in Malta (europe) as we have been called to come up with an F1 proposal for the new Libya. I will check with the Silverstone Northampshire local council as to whether they do have any plans which they could provide to the public. What I have come across so far is a draft version of the development brief for the redevelopment of silverstone.

What I really require is the standard requirements of the facilities as in number of suites that must be provided for paddock club and vip areas, garage requirements for paddock bulding, size of media centre, the medical centre and other basic info which does not seem to be so readily available. I was wondering where the Polish students mentioned by Ciro above got their facility information originally, as that would be extremely helpful for me.

I appreciate any help given and many thanks oncemore.

Jurgen.