The capital of Ivory Coast will finally get a stadium worthy of major international fixtures. Far from the coastal metropolis of Abidjan, a minimalist and monumental stadium will be built in 2020.

It's only the second design from Ivory Coast that we're showing you. While more will come in the future, both already placed in our database are projects being prepared for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. After the new giant from Abidjan we're moving to the centre of the country.

In September of 2017 the government of Ivory Coast launched a design+build+finance tender for a brand new stadium in Yamoussoukro, the country's administrative capital. It's one of three 20,000-seaters planned for the tournament across the country.

© SCAU

In early March 2018 it was announced that the only French consortium, a joint venture of SCAU architecture (known for Stade de France, new Stade Velodrome and Atatürk Olimpiyat Stadyumu) Sogea Satom (Vinci group), Baudin Chateauneuf (steel structure), Alcor (seating specialist) and Egis (engineers) were selected out of impressive 45 (!) bids from around the world. Majority of the bids came from China, however countries like Portugal, Turkey, Brazil and Morocco were also represented.

© SCAU

Situated on the east side of the city, SCAU took an approach to create a stadium that was both monumental and minimalist. Monumental – to create a strong image for Ivory Coast that will be broadcast around the world. Minimalist – to ensure a simple low cost in use building with a long life. Ivory Coast is among the countries notorious for insufficient stadium maintenance, so ensuring the stadium's long lifespan and low budget is among the priorities.

© SCAU

The west stand houses all the programme for the stadium, the other three stands are dug into the ground, taking advantage of a natural slope in the site. This reduces the amount of built infrastructure to be maintained. Also, this adds to the excitement of arrival at a match. The spectator arrives at the top of the stands and has a clear expansive view of the entire stadium, moves down to the seat and approaches the pitch.

© SCAU

A single roof covers all the stands, rising and falling to adapt to the volume underneath and focuses the attention towards the pitch. In the west floodlight lamps should be attached to the roof, while in te east two independent masts will be built. Catering facilities and toilets are elegantly placed around the public concourse, as if scattered around it.

As with all SCAU’s stadiums, they paid particular attention to life of the stadium after the event. The heritage of a stadium is key to its profitability and maintenance and so SCAU consulted with various local sports and education groups to imagine how some of the spaces may be used on a daily basis after CAN. Building work is due to start on site mid-2018 (announced by Sogea Satom for April) with completion mid-2020. The cost is € 56 million.