coop himmelb(l)au: silk leaf stadium, japan

‘silk leaf stadium’ by coop himmelb(l)au, tokyo, japanimage © ISOCHROM.com, vienna

renowned austrian firm coop himmelb(l)au finished the proposal for the new national stadium in japan titled the ‘silk leaf stadium’ in tokyo. the most prominent feature of the complex is the parametrically designed roof that meets the ground in only four points, draped over the seating and arena. the canopy contains small triangular openings that provide ambient lighting in the large space, with a large retractable photovoltaic glass section that opens the interior to the sky. three tiers of undulating seating will hold up to 80,000 spectators on a floor area of about 240,000 square-meters.

architect wolf prix explains the concept of the structure:‘like a modern acropolis, our concept for the new national stadium of japan places the arena on a plinth as a sign in the center of the city.’

the competition to design japan’s new national stadium picked 11 shortlisted entries, of which zaha hadid was commissioned to carry outthe design. see designboom’s coverage of the competition for more complete info here.

glass roof open to the skyimage © ISOCHROM.com, vienna

image © ISOCHROM.com, vienna

closed roof ideal for certain eventsimage © ISOCHROM.com, vienna