New National Stadium (XV) – design description

Created in Australia, this plan is based on organic inspirations. The entire complex should resemble a white lily with petals being created with lightweight and translucent ETFE membrane. This natural appearance would be enhanced by all necessary infrastructure being hidden underneath public green areas (on a raised platform). This should encourage daily leisure activities while extensive roof should provide a lot of shade also outside the stadium.

Another exciting idea, already known from bids like the 2008 Olympics design or Croatian Plavi Vulkan, is the retractable roof created by hovering platform filled with helium (system of numerous balloons inside). On a daily basis it would float 300 meters (!) above the stadium, but could be dragged downwards to enclose the stadium partly or completely.

The vision has been submitted in 2012 as part of international design competition for New National Stadium of Japan. It wasn’t selected as part of the 12-project shortlist, but we consider it worthy of greater attention.

Part of the requirements of Japan Sport Council was for the venue to host Olympics and World Cup final in optimum conditions. Thus the retractable seating encircling field of play and retractable roof over it.