Polish National Stadium

Warsaw, Poland

Competition 2007 – 1st Prize
Design Volkwin Marg and Hubert Nienhoff with Markus Pfisterer
Project leaders Markus Pfisterer, Martin Hakiel
Co-operation with J.S.K. Architekci Sp. z o.o. and schlaich bergermann partner
Client Narodowe Centrum Sportu Sp. z o.o.
Construction period 2008–2011
Seats 55,000

Picture credit
Page 76 Marcus Bredt
Page 77 Krystian Trela
Page 78/79 Marcus Bredt
Page 80/81 Marcus Bredt
Page 81 top plan gmp

How does one make the present the crown of the past? If it is obvious from the beginning that a building will have great symbolic significance not just for a city, but also for a whole country, then “society and responsibility” will have to be the architect’s most important reference points when it comes to design. The new National Stadium in Warsaw is located on the ridge of the Dziesie˛ ciolecia national stadium. This had been heaped up after the war from the rubble of the old town, which was destroyed during German troops’ suppression of the Warsaw Uprising in the Second World War. Due to its national significance, this mound had to remain unaffected. Considering its social conditions and implications, the stadium is – in a way – complementary to the Berlin Olympic Stadium.
The stadium has now been erected respectfully atop the terrace hollow of the old one, and thus rests on the past like a crown. The duality of the massive historic base built of stone and the new building made of steel, glass and PTFE membranes gives the soccer stadium with room for 55,000 spectators a distinctive identity. This is added to significantly by the braided facade of expanded metal panels in the national colors of red and white. The translucent layer makes a whole of the different parts within the stadium. The stadium has another social and sustainable benefit based completely in the economic present: A closable roof allows events and concerts in all weather conditions. It also includes a large office and conference facilities, a museum, and catering.

 

No Comments

You can be the first one to leave a comment.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *