Those of you who know me understand how much I enjoy being a fan of the University of Oregon football team. Friday’s news that the Ducks and the University of Washington Huskies will leave the PAC-12 conference in 2024 for greener pastures as members of the Big Ten, as well as the defections of Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah (and before them, Colorado) to the BIG 12, is huge. The PAC-12 is imploding before our eyes, and with it the rich history of the “Conference of Champions.” My feelings about what is happening are mixed, but I know one thing: the lifeblood of college football has always been its storied traditions and regional rivalries. Oregon’s move to the Big Ten comes at the expense of much of what first attracted me to the game.
As an architect, I cannot help but see parallels between the changes roiling college football and the constantly evolving architectural narrative. As with college football, considerations regarding tradition, regional character, and an unpredictable future profoundly impact architecture. Financial exigencies too often lead to the erosion of regional identity and the abandonment of contextually appropriate design considerations. Both college football and architecture grapple with preserving heritage or a recognized sense of place while accommodating modern demands.
Though change is inevitable and money rules, I am saddened that conference realignment brings with it collateral damage. The Oregon State Beavers (along with Stanford, Cal, and Washington State) are left behind among the ruins of the erstwhile PAC-12. Their inevitable relegation to second-tier status underscores the broader implications of conference realignment: the unintended costs paid for the pursuit of a new era.(1)
The futures of both college athletics and architecture are complex and uncertain, but several trends and considerations help us speculate on potential outcomes:
Loss of Identity and Tradition
Conference realignment will be responsible for the loss of historic rivalries in college athletics. Similarly, the allure of the new in buildings has too often led to erosion of regional identity and the abandonment of traditional design elements and construction techniques in buildings. In the years to come, both college football and architecture will work toward reconciling modern demands with the values and traditions that have defined them.
Commercialization and Authenticity
Big money is compromising the authenticity of college athletics. Likewise, financial considerations too often result in architectural designs that prioritize profit over the cultural and historical significance of a place, undermining the authenticity of the built environment.
Impacts on Community
Changes in both college athletics and architecture impact local communities. A disregard for tradition and regional identity diminishes the connection between people and their environment, adversely impacting the sense of place and community pride.
Navigating Change
Just as both college athletics and architecture must absorb the impacts of forces external to their fundamental purposes, they also must find ways to prioritize the well-being and identity of those they serve—student-athletes and communities, respectively.
The prospects for college athletics and architecture lie in finding a balance between financial interests, modernization, a regard for the past, and the well-being of individuals and communities. The outcomes in these domains will depend on the decisions made by stakeholders, the priorities set by institutions, and the broader societal values that guide their evolution. The stewards of college football and the guardians of well-considered architecture alike bear this responsibility. The preservation of tradition, whether it has to do with cherished rivalries or treasured places, requires advocacy and vigilance.
Furthermore, the parallels between college football and architecture highlight the universal challenge of change. The shifting landscapes they occupy offer us an opportunity to reflect on the essence of identity, tradition, and progress. Whether it is college football interests working to retain storied rivalries or architects striving to preserve a place’s identity, the core theme remains—the protection of what defines the game or place amidst transformation.
For now, I expect to remain a dedicated supporter of my alma mater’s team. Likewise, as an architect, I will continue to apply commonsense design principles to the projects I’m involved with. I’ll figure out how to steer through the latest developments while staying true to both my fandom and the solid base of established architectural knowledge I’ve acquired throughout my education and career. It’s about finding that sweet spot, where tradition and innovation do a dance, and where players and fans, much like a city and its inhabitants, thrive together. In a world of unknowns, I think that’s a solid game plan. So, here’s to my beloved Ducks, to weaving stories into our built environment, and to all of us, navigating change with a dash of nostalgia and a whole lot of hope.
(1) The travel
demands the University of Oregon will be forced to contend with as a member of
Big Ten will not be inconsiderable. Besides the greater expense for everyone in
the University of Oregon’s Department of Athletics, the increased travel may
hinder the recruitment and development of athletes in the non-revenue sports and
limit their exposure to competitive opportunities and potential scholarship
offers. Balancing the financial benefits of conference realignment and
student-athlete welfare will be essential.
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