MIES (Switzerland) – FIBA's Venue Guide was recently showcased at the IAKS Congress in Germany, with an array of the world's leading architects all being left impressed by this innovative resource. 

The FIBA Venue Guide is overseen by the FIBA Equipment and Venue Centre, which has an outstanding reputation for supporting the installation of the key components of basketball arenas and the supply of quality basketball equipment.

The Venue Guide provides technical recommendations, best practice examples and inspiration to support the build and renovation of basketball venues to ensure that they are suitable for potential future hosting of competitions.

It also promotes the important elements of future-proof design and multifunctional use while maintaining a strong emphasis on the needs of basketball users.  It is designed to serve the wider basketball, sport and leisure community, including local authorities, architects, venue owners and operators.

The Venue Guide has been developed with the aim of being relevant and adaptable across each of FIBA's 212 National Federations since each basketball arena is unique to its location, resources and users, and therefore each project should be aligned with these aspects. The Venue Guide also highlights:

• The importance of FIBA Approved equipment in any venue fit-out.
• Sustainable practices and the overarching requirement to plan for long-term success.
• Innovation and the continuous evolution of technology. This means that arenas must become increasingly connected if they are to benefit from these developments, which can be key in unlocking new revenue streams.
• Outdoor courts, which are important for community use and increasingly popular with the development of 3x3.

Forming part of the popular 'Today's design decisions and future-oriented programming' session at the IAKS Congress, the FIBA Venue Guide was presented to delegates having initially been unveiled to FIBA's National Federation members at the FIBA Congress in Manila.

Bart Prinssen, Head of the FIBA Equipment & Venue Centre, commented: "The global growth of basketball requires more high-quality venues and facilities. They play a leading role in determining how people engage with basketball and this is why we are proud to showcase the FIBA Venue Guide.

"FIBA understands it is essential to support everyone involved in the delivery of exemplary venues: National Federations, competition organizers and technical teams, but also architects, local authorities, investors, and of course, venue owners and operators.

"One of the most significant aspects is the need to embrace innovation and technology - something which continues to develop at a frantic and exciting pace. The FIBA Venue Guide highlights how technological innovations and maximizing the flexibility of venues can be key drivers in unlocking new revenue streams.

"We are extremely grateful to be able to showcase our approach at the IAKS Congress, which is also fitting because of the collaborative work that has been undertaken on the FIBA Venue Guide with them," he concluded. 

IAKS, a global non-profit organization for professionals from the sports, leisure and recreation facilities industry, enables international networking for the exchange of planning, design and operational expertise. The 28th IAKS Congress was the perfect platform to promote the FIBA Venue Guide, especially since the document was written in collaboration with IAKS and its members.

The Venue Guide has been produced with the input of a wide range of industry experts and the support of a dedicated team of contributors. FIBA's Approved Equipment, 3x3 and Software partners also provided knowledge and expertise in their respective fields. 

The FIBA Venue Guide is available here. 

FIBA