De Kuip (III) – design description

De Kuip’s old stands remain intact in this idea. Of course the 50,000 capacity needs to grow, so two measures are proposed. First, the field would be lowered by 1.65m to make room for further seats close to the action. Then the upper ring would receive additional rows until the complete size reaches 63,000.

In case there is a need, in the future it may be further increased to 70,000 by the upper tier growing upwards. Interestingly, Z&J consider a new third ring ineffective because of supposedly compromised sightlines.

Outside the stadium two auxiliary buildings would be built, running along both sides. These would provide office and commercial spaces, as well as further infrastructure for matchday use. At the same time they’d be the basis to tall pylons supporting the roof. This means the new cover would have all primary supports outside the stands themselves.

The most impressive feature is the roof itself. Measuring 220x240 meters it would create a massive flat board. Filled with ETFE cushions (each 10x10 meters – bigger than at any other stadium), the steel frame would be able to accommodate a retractable part in the future, should there be a need for one. Total surface of the ETFE membrane might be around 100,000 sqm, which together with colourful illumination should create a stunning impression.

The simple, but modern and expressive new icon of future De Kuip seems to dwarf the stands themselves in terms of visual effect. However, as Zwarts en Jansma argue, the aim was to clearly distinguish from the historical form of the stands and the new cover.