Book Review: The Architecture of the Playing Field

Authors

Eddie G. Walker II, University of Minnesota CrookstonFollow

Abstract

Athletic fields, facilities, golf courses, stadiums, and arenas are at the heart of the sport management industry. Physical activity has been “an essential component” of mankind’s life on Earth since the beginning of time (Elgammal & Abdel-Razek, 2022; p. 26). Throughout history, the methods of hosting athletic events have undergone significant evolution. Dr. Richard Cleary provides a concise yet thorough resource on how the structure of these spaces influences the experience for both participants and spectators. The Architecture of the Playing Field: Shaping Space in Sport comprises four chapters and an Epilogue that utilize architectural design and sociocultural theories to examine “spatial practices in sports with respect to settings, mediated experience, performance, and social contexts” (Cleary, 2025, p. 11). The primary takeaway is that architectural design does not exist in a vacuum. Dr. Cleary combines historical design, sociocultural theory, urban planning, and architectural design theory to demonstrate that playing spaces are more than places where sport is played. Playing spaces are influenced by culture and values, but can also influence the rules governing our sports. This review highlights the effectiveness of Dr. Cleary’s new book and provides additional context to supplement his work.

Recommended Citation

Walker, Eddie G. II (2025) "Book Review: The Architecture of the Playing Field," Global Sport Business Journal: Vol. 10: Iss. 1, Article 9.
Available at: https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/gsbj/vol10/iss1/9