The new Stadium Miejski in the Polish city of Wroclaw was the result of an architectural competition, catalyzed by Poland’s selection (along with Ukraine) to host 2012 UEFA European Football Championship, known as EURO 2012. The winning design, by JSK Architekci, features a translucent mesh membrane that wraps the exterior.
The membrane is a soft composite of glass fiber coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). It is wrapped around five horizontal structural steel rings that band the stadium. The shape and location of the rings, and prevailing wind, determine the shape of the membrane. The façade starts at 3.5m above the esplanade level, with a distance of 30 m between the bottom and top rings. The third and fourth rings are both tilted so that neither is parallel to the top and bottom, nor to each other, giving the building a visual sense of undulation.
The membrane provides shelter from wind and rain. It is also visually versatile: an internal LED lighting system allows the skin to be illuminated in different colors, so that the entire building’s appearance and mood can be altered to suit sports, musical performances, or other events. The design process for the mesh included a simulation to determine the amount of open area necessary for proper smoke ventilation. The stadium seats 40,000.
Photos courtesy of JSK Architekci
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