Stadion OSiR w Olsztynie (I) – design description

This concept will not come to fruition as Olsztyn municipality cancelled the entire tender in which it was submitted. However, it's worth getting to know, because it offers a cost-effective solution to the city's lack of modern sports infrastructure.

The city’s expectations (12,000 capacity in final layout and no less than 5,000 during any phase of reconstruction) didn’t only ask for a phased development of the stadium, but also strongly suggested creating a very compact building, of around 21 meters in height and 140 in width. Addressing these guidelines, Bauren managed to fit the stadium within 23 meters at highest point and very much in line with other spatial requirements.

Aesthetically the stadium is characterized by repetitions of single elements, which create a distinctive and rhythmical outer form. Between the primary structural columns a lightweight and translucent webbing would be mounted, creating an interesting contrast between roughness of the concrete and smooth membrane-alike material. The rhythm of the building is to be a synthetic association with traditional regional architecture, based on similar rhythm of wooden supports between brick walls. To add to that, using repetition of many elements makes the structure a lot cheaper and the issue of cost is key in delivering the stadium.

First one to be built is the new east stand, offering 5,004 seats in 22 rows. Western grandstand with VIP (504 seats), media (68), disabled (28) and player facilities would have a slightly lower capacity of 4,579. End zones would be mirror reflections of one-another, each holding 1,360 people. Southern one would serve local fanatics, while the north would have 676 seats for the away team.

Bauren utilized the natural land levels (plot is lowering towards the west), creating space divisions. The stadium sits upon a pedestal in the west, while is accessible from ground level in the east. This allowed connecting it with western open spaces of local park and swimming pool complexes. Parking sites required by the city were created in two significant locations, each accessible from a different street to better avoid congestion on matchdays.