Grand Stade Ris-Orangis (I) – design description

The presented vision is a competition entry for new national rugby stadium of France. It was selected as finalist, but eventually lost to the concept developed by Populous. The aim was to create an 82,000-seater with retractable roof and sliding pitch.

Unlike Populous, the team created a more conventional, simple and harmonious form with oval bowl encircled by a tall 'crown' that serves as both the decorative facade and support for dome-shaped roof. From a spectator's perspective the roof seems a lot lighter than with Populous' work, also allowing more sunlight to enter the stadium.

Seating layout is surprisingly similar to the winning big or... MetLife Stadium in New York. Two large tiers for regular seats are divided by a series of premium balconies. Interestingly, the giant screens have been placed at the premium level, not above all stands.