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The forthcoming Olympic Games in Paris, France, scheduled for 2024, will mark another significant event. If there is one thing that truly embodies the essence of “Olympic” in terms of size and scope, it is the legendary arenas that have become familiar worldwide. Serving as the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the grand parade of nations, these arenas are more than just visually appealing structures. Keeping this concept in mind, LUXUO showcases a selection of the most renowned stadiums used for the Games in recent times. From arenas inspired by the form of a bird’s nest to those mimicking Middle Eastern containers — these architecturally designed marvels are simply breathtaking.
Maracaná Arena
Locale: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Designed by: Raphaël Galvão and Pedro Paulo Bernardes Bastos in 2013
Among the remarkable highlights of international sports in Rio de Janeiro is Brazil’s Maracanã Arena. This colossal arena is more than just a sports ground; with its distinctive saucer-shaped structure and a seating capacity exceeding 78,000, it stands as a true sanctuary for football enthusiasts. Inaugurated in 1950 for hosting the FIFA World Cup, Maracanã has witnessed some of the most unforgettable moments in the history of the beautiful game. It has been the stage for two World Cup finals, etching memories that will endure in the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. The iconic goal by Pelé in the 1970 World Cup final remains a standout moment among these memories; a glorious instance that will forever be enshrined in the annals of football history. The grand stadium was a collaborative effort by seven architects: Raphaël Galvão, Pedro Paulo Bernardes Bastos, Miguel Feldman, Orlando Azevedo, Waldir Ramos, Oscar Valdetaro, and Antonio Dias Carneiro. With a built-up area of 86,000 square metres initially, it has been expanded to approximately 160,000 square metres. The arena boasts several eco-friendly features, such as recycling water drained from the stadium roof, resulting in a 45% reduction in water consumption for field maintenance.
Beijing National Arena
Locale: Beijing, China
Designed by: Herzog & de Meuron in 2008
Situated in the Chinese capital, the Beijing National Arena is an architectural marvel famously known as the “Bird’s Nest.” Purposefully constructed for hosting the 2008 Olympic Games, this arena embodies China’s aspirations and grandeur on the global platform. Its unparalleled design and capacity for over 80,000 spectators make it a symbolic representation of modernity and progress in the Asian nation. Besides its imposing structure, the Beijing National Arena has been a witness to sporting and cultural events of global significance, leaving an indelible mark on the realms of sport and architecture. Its commanding presence and historical role as the host site of the Olympic Games have made it a source of pride for the Chinese populace and a must-visit destination for travelers eager to witness an authentic contemporary wonder.
Lusail Arena
Locale: Qatar, Dubai
Designed by: Foster + Partners in 2022
Renowned architecture firm Foster + Partners crafted a daring and futuristic arena in Qatar that seamlessly merges contemporary architecture with cultural heritage. Among the largest in Qatar, this arena served as the host venue for the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup (2022). Situated 15 kilometers north of Doha in Lusail City Center, the impressive golden facade of the arena can accommodate 8,000 spectators. Drawing inspiration from Middle Eastern containers and bowls, the arena’s distinct shape stands out, showcasing meticulous planning and design that emphasizes the importance of climate and cultural elements.
The Lusail Arena’s cutting-edge façade andIncorporating innovative architectural features that facilitate reduced energy consumption further exemplify sustainable design in action. By blending contemporary and traditional architectural elements, the exterior facade of the stadium serves as a cooling screen. Its triangular apertures not only enhance aesthetics but also act as a perforated screen to regulate light penetration, offering shade in the process. Thanks to the implementation of high-efficiency facade and eco-friendly roofing technologies, the stadium has significantly cut down on its energy usage. This notable achievement has led to the stadium being awarded a prestigious five-star rating in the Global Sustainability Assessment System. The intricately crafted design of the stadium is a sight to behold. Additionally, strategic lighting design plays a vital role in drawing attention to key attractions for spectators, strategically placed across the stadium.
Zaozhuang Stadium
Location: Shandong, China, 2017
Designed by: United Atelier
Zaozhuang Stadium is nestled within the Cultural and Sports Park at the heart of the new city centre. With a seating capacity of 40,000, the stadium is versatile enough to host a myriad of public functions alongside national and international competitions. The symmetrical arrangement of the Municipal Plaza and Fengming Lake along the city’s north-south axis within the stadium design is a key component of the broader local civic centre initiative. Nestled amidst the lush urban park landscape are the stadium and other essential infrastructures. Positioned at the southern tip of the new city axis, the stadium acts as a connecting hub between squares, primary urban spaces, and various sports facilities.
The unique PTFE membrane material utilized in the roofing system creates a mesmerizing spoke-shaped oblique cross-light cable film system. By harnessing the radial tension generated by the cable bundle in combination with the membrane material, the overall structure epitomizes grace and weightlessness.
Aviva Stadium
Location: Dublin, Ireland, 2010
Designed by: Populous and Scott Tallon Walker
Emerging as the national football stadium for Ireland, the Aviva Stadium, previously known as Lansdowne Road Stadium, is the cherished home of both the Irish rugby and football teams since its completion in 2010. Collaborating with Dublin-based architects Scott Tallon Walker and global architect Populous, the stadium’s design was carefully crafted to blend seamlessly with and respect the neighboring residential properties on the northern and southern boundaries. The fluid and graceful shape of the structure not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also ensures optimal airflow and daylight for the surrounding residences.
Unveiling a fresh approach in stadium design, the Aviva Stadium was constructed to accommodate a larger audience, surpassing the capacity of its predecessor. Besides hosting international rugby and soccer matches, the renowned stadium also serves as a venue for concerts and various events. The implementation of parametric design software played a pivotal role in shaping the intricate, undulating facade of the architecture. Its captivating design offers breathtaking views as it gracefully ascends in both east and west directions. The horseshoe-shaped primary steel grid of the stadium is elegantly supported by columns that delicately hover above the seating tiers. The facade’s distinctive frontage adorned with glass and polycarbonate louvres creates a mesmerizing backdrop against the sky.
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