As both a devoted fan of the Oregon
Ducks and an architect, I eagerly follow developments related to the university’s
athletics facilities. For better or worse, the Ducks have become the poster
child for lavish spending and trend-setting accommodations for its varsity
sports. The latest such improvement is the revamping of Matthew Knight Arena’s
Kilkenny Court playing surface, unveiled
by the university last week.(1)
The new design has sparked
enthusiastic reactions from the Ducks’ fan base, prompting me to ponder whether
something as physically shallow as a painted court surface truly contributes to
the aesthetic perception of an architectural space, specifically the interior
of a basketball arena.
The saying "beauty is
only skin deep" suggests that we shouldn’t assign much importance to outward
appearances as they merely mask inner qualities. Architects have long grappled
with this notion and its impact on how people perceive a building’s design. This
struggle moved to the forefront during the ascendency of Modernism during the
20th century as designers eschewed applied ornament in favor of an analytical
and functional approach to the creation of architecture. The belief was ornamentation
belonged to the past and that a new aesthetic language based on simplicity and
purity of form is morally superior. This was the dominant canon for many years.
While Modernism has since made room for aesthetic pluralism, most architects will
still contend their focus is not upon surface appearances. So, what should we
make of the average person’s natural and visceral response to first
impressions? To what extent should we credit aspects of a design’s success to
elements that are at most skin-deep? In the case of the Ducks’ new court
design, the simple answer is “a lot.”
Spearheaded by Van Horne Brands, the new Kilkenny Court blends innovation with tradition. The visually
striking design evokes a sense of place and history, while reimagining the “Deep
in The Woods” theme of Knight Arena’s original court design. The centerpiece is
a prominent “O” logo, encircled by the tree imagery, which is more transparent (and
green!) than the court’s much-derided first iteration. As before, the use of
tree graphics reinforces connections to the local landscape, as well as
referencing Oregon’s 1939 NCAA championship men’s basketball squad (“The Tall
Firs”). The new design also honors the arena's namesake, Matthew Knight (who tragically
died at the age of 34 in a scuba diving accident), with subtle yet meaningful
elements like the "missing man" formation of flying ducks near each
baseline. This tribute adds emotional depth to the court and enriches the
overall experience of attending a game by conveying a story, values, and
emotions. Spectators entering the arena are immersed in a visual narrative that
connects them to the local landscape and Oregon’s heritage, creating a unique
and memorable experience.
Having attended many games at
Matthew Knight Arena since its opening in 2011, I know firsthand how the court’s
design can enhance or detract from the overall atmosphere. A problem with the original
scheme (which I did not like) was that its brown and ochre graphics suggested wildfire,
drought or insect-ravaged woods rather than a thriving stand of evergreens. Another
problem was how overly intricate and murky the tree imagery was, detracting from
the clarity and simplicity some observers prefer in sports arenas. The fact the
old court rendered the game lines illegible did not help. The best that could
be said about the old court was that it was a conversation starter.
From what I’ve seen online, the
shift to the more vibrant aesthetic for the floor while carrying over elements
from the previous design is being well-received by most Oregon fans. I suspect this
is due to both the extensive use of an Apple Green we readily associate with Oregon’s
school colors as well as its deceiving simplicity. There’s a lot going on with
the new floor, but this is achieved by means that are not visually distracting
or headache-inducing. I like that the visual elements of the redesigned court
not only captivate the eye but also engage the emotions, fostering a sense of
unity and pride among players and fans alike. The visual appeal of the new court
transforms the arena into a microcosm of Oregon's natural beauty and cultural
identity.
One of architecture’s
fundamental obligations is to delight those who experience it. The philosophy
of aesthetics focuses on how beauty is perceived and appreciated through all
our senses. While I have yet to see it in person, I believe the redesigned
Kilkenny Court at Matthew Knight Arena does illustrate a meaningful connection
between the spectators, the players, and the place they call home. Notwithstanding
its superficiality, the painted surface of a basketball court contributes to
the immersive experience and aesthetic perception of the arena’s architecture. As
architects strive to prove their relevance to clients, it is important to
highlight the significance of creating spaces that are pleasing to the senses
in all respects. The new court design, albeit skin-deep, does this through its
melding of imagery, tradition, and reverence, enhancing the identity and soul of
the building.
(1) Though not announced in the press release, rumor has it that volleyball will receive its own distinct floor design. The fresh looks herald Oregon’s debut as a new member of the Big Ten Conference.
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