The new home of Cavaliers basketball, the University of Virginia?s 15,219-seat John Paul Jones Arena features a horseshoe shape that allows distinct seating configurations for both athletic contests and cultural events. What particularly impressed the panel was the way the design joined a modern arena with the traditional exterior necessary to fit within its historic surroundings. Jeffersonian design elements are expressed in a modern aesthetic of brick and glass, with iconic columns forming pergolas on the east and west facades. The east pergola penetrates the outer shell and is revealed on the interior, creating a distinct backdrop for both performing arts and athletics.
At the entrance, the building?s volume is depressed below grade, reducing its scale to fit the pedestrian context in which the arena is set. Natural light adds unexpected warmth and depth along the outer concourses and in the main lobby. The arena?s configuration intentionally draws the upper seating bowl closer to the court, creating a more intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams and positioning private suites much closer to the floor.
Judge's Comments
The arena offers visual connection to
the entry concourse and a remarkably
intimate seating arrangement for a
multiuse facility of this size.
— James Meyer
The design team cleverly solved the
age-old problem of joining a modern
arena facility with a traditional exterior
design. Also, the interior spaces are
simple and consistent with the facility's
exterior architecture.
— Erik Kocher
The public spaces and arena have a
very high level of finish that goes beyond
the utilitarian, and the front entry is an
appropriate response to Jefferson's
campus.
— Tom Scarlata
