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Architect Provides a Nats'-Eye View
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When did you know you wanted to be an architect?
"When I was a senior in high school I received a book about architecture as a gift. It showed the different styles of architecture and famous buildings. Architecture seemed to be something that brought together things I liked, such as drawing and history."
What did you learn as a kid that helps you now as an architect?
"I would say my approach to my studies and my willingness to see education as fun and interesting. My parents were only high school graduates, but they helped all their children see that education was important and the way you could do whatever you wanted in life."
What is different about building a baseball stadium than other buildings?
"Most buildings are similar, especially on the inside. But baseball stadiums have a much greater variety of shapes and designs. And millions of people use a baseball stadium in a year. That's fun."
Were there any special problems in designing Nationals Park?
"The biggest problem was making the ballpark look like it belonged in Washington, D.C. So we spent a lot of time walking around the city looking at the monuments and museums. Most of those places have beautiful, simple shapes."
What would you like kids to notice about the new ballpark?
"You can walk around the concourse and not lose sight of the playing field. Also, the shape of the outfield is very interesting. I think kids will enjoy the 14-foot-high scoreboard in right field. There are lots of special places where you can look out and see the city.
"But the most important thing is to come down and experience the building. I think people will like this building and call it their home away from home for years to come."
Fred Bowen writes KidsPost's sports opinion column and is an author of sports novels for kids.
