NASCAR Hall of Fame

You might ask yourself what does NASCAR have to do with design? Don’t rush into conclusions, we have to tell you that, their new Hall of Fame is, actually, an architectural masterpiece. Moreover, the architects,  Pei Cobb Freed and Partners, used the sport itself as the main source of inspiration.

In their trial to capture speed and spectacle, the two main characteristics of NASCAR, they were drawn directly to the arena of action, the place where everything happens and where the fans cheer full of excitement. They used curved, slopping forms that recall the dynamic and changing sinuous shape of the racetrack and incorporate the idea of speed itself.

The location also played an important role. The Hall of Fame welcomes its visitors from uptown Charlotte, positioned right next to a spot full of energy and everyday pedestrian traffic.

Long story short, this building consists of four basic elements enveloped in a ribbon. First, a Great Hall shaped in a large glazed oval, representing the primary orientation point for visitors. Second, a rectangular volume for different visitor services. Third, the Hall of Honour as the iconic element of the building and finally, a broadcast studio for NASCAR’s media partners.

The ribbon is one of the elements that deserves a bit more of attention. It strikes you as you enter, starting as an exterior wall, it makes a few spans and becomes a welcoming canopy. The image of a car racing at a tremendous speed, passing by the spectator, is perfectly captured by the incision in this metal skin.

Inside, there is a ramp, displaying several race cars, capturing in another way speed and spectacle the essence of this sport.

Last but not least, we have the NASCAR tower, a twenty-story office, consisting of a curvilinear metal and glass curtain wall, contrasted with a rectangular precast concrete armature.

This is the place where the race lives on and definitely on our to see list!

photos by Peter Brentlinger