New National Stadium (B) – design description

The concept became one of two finalists in repeated design (and build) competition for new National Olympic Stadium in Tokyo. Compared to 2012 guidelines, this time the venue had to be scaled back both in terms of function (no retractable roof and adjustable stands), capacity (up to 70,000 instead of 80,000) and size (limited height and volume for smaller impact on surroundings). Also, the structure had to be simplified enough to allow fast construction, in under 3 years.

Named the “B” variant, this stadium would have double-tiered stands with the lower ring partly sunken and upper one being far larger.

Spectators would be protested by a simple yet original roof. Its outer circumference would be a simple circular ring placed 36 meters above ground. But inner part is the much more vibrant part with changing height and the impression of liquidity created by semi-transparent cover that would bring more sunlight inside. The highest inner part of the roof would be at 54m.

Interestingly, the stadium’s roof and stands would receive support from 72 massive wooden columns.