US-based HOK, a global architecture and engineering firm, has announced an agreement to acquire award-winning sports facility design firm 360 Architecture, which designed Basrah Sports City in Iraq among other high-profile projects.

360 Architecture is one of the world’s leading designers of stadiums, ballparks, arenas, recreation and wellness centers, and mixed-use entertainment districts. The more than 180-personnel firm, which also specialises in the design of corporate and commercial office buildings, government and civic facilities, and restaurants, was founded in Kansas City in 2004.

“As a global design leader, it’s important for HOK to offer clients design excellence in sports architecture,” said Patrick MacLeamy, FAIA, HOK chairman and CEO.

“360 Architecture has created several of the world’s most innovative professional and collegiate sports facilities and their design-focused culture and values align with ours. Together, we will design the next generation of sports and entertainment facilities while serving all types of clients as one of Kansas City’s largest design firms.”

“Joining HOK enables us to take advantage of an exceptionally strong global platform and to expand our sports facility design practice while offering our clients additional expertise in other markets,” said Brad Schrock, AIA, senior principal at 360 Architecture. “This also brings HOK, a global design leader in many building types, into the heart of Kansas City. We expect continued long-term growth.”

“360 Architecture is a progressive design firm that has helped lead the transformation of sports architecture,” said HOK President Bill Hellmuth, AIA. “These facilities have evolved into true destinations that are integrated into the urban fabric and are key components of vibrant, healthy cities.”

The new HOK sports and entertainment practice will draw on the firm’s expertise in markets including hospitality, retail, residential, transportation, education, civic and cultural, convention centre and corporate environments to provide clients highly integrated solutions and create the best possible venues, cities and regions.

“Our shared vision of collaborating across specialties and markets will strengthen the approach that has been so important to our clients’ success,” added Tom Waggoner, AIA, senior principal at 360 Architecture.

Notable sports projects in which 360 Architecture has played a significant role include MetLife Stadium, home to the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets in East Rutherford, N.J.; Basrah Sports City in Iraq, which includes a 65,000-seat stadium; Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio; the American Airlines Arena in Miami; and the renovations of the University of Washington Husky Stadium in Seattle and Southern Methodist University’s Moody Coliseum in Dallas. – TradeArabia News Service