New football stadium planned in Kunshan
The city of Kunshan, near Shanghai, is planning to build a new football stadium to a design by Architects von Gerkan, Marg and Partners (gmp) in preparation for the 2023 Asian Cup. The stadium will be used for some of the matches and accommodate up to 45,000 spectators. The design is based on an oval shape that is freestanding amidst a landscape park. In the longer term, it is intended that this park be used as an attractive local recreation area for both residents and visitors. From the stadium, a star-shaped system of footpaths leads to areas for sport, recreation, and restaurants. There is a natural river bed on the terrain, which will be retained and given a role linking the landscaped park and the football stadium. The water theme is further enhanced in the form of an artificial water course surrounding the stadium.
The characteristic design of the facade is based on a fan-shaped construction, consisting of double concrete frames and elegant projecting lattice girders in the roof zone. Overall, the system of double axes includes 36 fields. The fairfaced in-situ concrete frames create a play between light and shadow and form expressive spaces. Transparent membranes on the facade and the roof enclose the solid grandstand structure and permit light to penetrate into the interior of the stadium. The upper and lower tiers are accessed via an external bridge system which, in the case of an evacuation, allows spectators to reach the outside via the shortest possible route. This minimizes the circulation area and creates a wide open space beneath the projecting facade elements.
