OFIS architects: FC bate borisov stadium

FC bate borisov stadium in belarus by OFIS architecture all images courtesy OFIS architects

slovenian firm OFIS architects have designed the FC bate borisov stadium in belarus, which is due to be  onsite in early november. its opening is planned for 2012, when the city of borisov celebrates a significant anniversary. distribution of the program takes into account the natural advantages of location and existing interventions in the terrain and the fact that the stadium has 13,000 seats, has to obtain 4 stars according to UEFA categorization and have additional 3,000 square meters of public program. the stadium with external arrangements has to provide quality traffic organization and controlled / separate access during the match and in everyday use. the position also maintains the most of existing trees on the site.

the final aspect of the complex is a recognizable image of the dominant facility, placed in soft greenery. the stadium will have its own, distinctive modern character and will be basedon an environmental and user friendly approach. the stadium arena forms a unified rounded dome which gives the impression of a single enclosed object. internally, a rounded arena provides good acoustics and atmosphere during game for both, players and fans.

the playing surface has a north – south orientation, with the size of the playground being 68x105m, with the total area being 85x105m. the spaces in between allows enough room for the installation of advertising screens, photographers and cameras. the seats are arranged around the playground in 17 rows along the long sides and of 27-28 rows along the short sides. the west upper gallery is reserved for the press, with the east end being for VIP’s. under the west stand area there are 4 floors with extra programs and service facilities, under the east side 3 floors and on west side 2 floors.

the foyer for visitors is on the first floor level and is accessible in 4 ways through the stairwells. the foyer is a covered plateau, naturally ventilated and unheated area. this is a place for a break during the half with the visitors’ toilets, bars (drinks and snacks), first-aid room and detention. the space extends all around the inner part of the stadium arena. toilets and bars are designed as closed isolated heated boxes. 250 seats in the central upper part are reserved for VIP. access is via elevator directly to the entrance area with option of car driveway.

VIP seats are designed to high standards and have the opportunity to link the smaller individual units rented by companies or groups. as part of the vip stands are two separate rooms as bar or entertainment room during the break with sanitation. on the opposite side are press cabins and seats with tables for 40 journalists with direct access to the stairs to the press room and the mix zone. separate access for soccer players is from the lower platform, with direct access for team buses and parking. on entry point to the field there are two dressing rooms, mix zone, and a place for physiotherapy. 3,000 square meters of public program is distributed on the lower level of the north, south and east.

in the southern part are public fitness/gym studios. other public area spaces are designed for various commercial activities. all the restaurants have individual access from the public platform. around the stadium is rounded pedestrian square acting as a meeting area and also as a peripheral roundabout. outside are parking pockets hidden in the existing forest area. when no matches are played these pockets are used for skating, rollerblading, carting etc.

project info:

architects: OFIS architects location: borisov, belarus design team: rok oman, spela videcnik, konstantine bogoslavsky, janez martincic, katja aljaz, janja del linz, andrej gregorič, ana kosi, ieva cicenaite, grzegorz ostrowski client: pc bate and government of belarus areas: 3,628 sqm (public program), 480 sqm (offices), 2,000 sqm (service program)