Maracanã – construction description

Reconstruction of Brazil’s most famous stadium began in 2010, causing much controversy. Authorities decided to convert its stands within existing structure instead of building anew. Historical value was given as reason, but the stadium wasn’t an architectural monument, it was listed for its cultural significance only and would supposedly not lose the status if rebuilt from scratch.

What caused doubts was the immense budget behind works and arguable quality when work is done. With double-tiered stands converted to a rather flat single bowl, sightlines are far from perfect.

As work was under way, it turned out existing concrete roof needed to be dismantled. Initially it was planned to just be expanded with steel beams holding membrane, but in the end  it was scrapped for membrane over the whole structure.

Delivery date was postponed several times. Initially expected in Dec 2012, the stadium was then supposed to be ready by March 2013 and eventually on May 28 2013, just 18 days before Confederations Cup.