Architecture

Local surroundings influence design of new San Diego Chargers stadium

Local surroundings influence design of new San Diego Chargers stadium
The stadium features a "kinetic skin" that moves when the wind blows, recreating the sound of the ocean
The stadium features a "kinetic skin" that moves when the wind blows, recreating the sound of the ocean
View 9 Images
The stadium features a "kinetic skin" that moves when the wind blows, recreating the sound of the ocean
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The stadium features a "kinetic skin" that moves when the wind blows, recreating the sound of the ocean
In addition to hosting amateur and professional sports, the stadium would also hold commercial and cultural events
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In addition to hosting amateur and professional sports, the stadium would also hold commercial and cultural events
The structure would feature gaps to allow those just outside the stadium to see the game
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The structure would feature gaps to allow those just outside the stadium to see the game
The plan includes public space, a fan park, corporate hospitality area, a VIP atrium and multiple clubs, suites, and entertainment facilities, plus a hall of fame
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The plan includes public space, a fan park, corporate hospitality area, a VIP atrium and multiple clubs, suites, and entertainment facilities, plus a hall of fame
The stadium would also be adaptable to host a Super Bowl
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The stadium would also be adaptable to host a Super Bowl
"A new stadium means new opportunities," says San Diego Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer
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"A new stadium means new opportunities," says San Diego Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer
Further progress on the stadium will be subject to voter approval, with the San Diego Union-Tribune reporting a planned US$1.1 billion budget
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Further progress on the stadium will be subject to voter approval, with the San Diego Union-Tribune reporting a planned US$1.1 billion budget
The stadium boasts a capacity of 68,000 seats
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The stadium boasts a capacity of 68,000 seats
The facade would be made from stone or stone veneer
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The facade would be made from stone or stone veneer
View gallery - 9 images

San Diego city officials have revealed some initial details concerning a planned new NFL stadium that will be home to the San Diego Chargers. Still subject to final approval, the stadium boasts a capacity of 68,000 seats and features a design that draws inspiration from the local area.

Due for location on a 166 acre (16 hectare) site in Mission Valley, San Diego, the stadium was designed by international architecture firm Populous. In addition to hosting amateur and professional sports, and its ability to host a Super Bowl, the stadium would also play hold commercial and cultural events.

It includes public spaces, a fan park, a corporate hospitality area, a VIP atrium and multiple clubs, suites, and entertainment facilities, plus a hall of fame.

In addition to hosting amateur and professional sports, the stadium would also hold commercial and cultural events
In addition to hosting amateur and professional sports, the stadium would also hold commercial and cultural events

The stadium design features deliberate gaps in its structure to allow those nearby the stadium to look inside, and for those inside to gaze out. Its design also draws inspiration from the local landscape and features a "kinetic skin" that moves when the wind blows, recreating the sound of the ocean. A Populous rep told us that this skin would be made from aluminum or stainless steel and may be perforated. The facade, meanwhile, would feature stone or stone veneer.

"A new stadium means new opportunities," says San Diego Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer. "This is an opportunity to replace an aging facility with a world-class sports and entertainment complex that's an asset to our community, and to forge a new agreement with the Chargers that's a better deal for taxpayers over what we have currently."

Further progress on the stadium will be subject to voter approval, with the San Diego Union-Tribune reporting a planned US$1.1 billion budget.

Source: Populous via Arch Daily

View gallery - 9 images
3 comments
3 comments
Island Architect
Another ghastly Stadium Design.
Wasn't Detroit's enough?
b
Nelson
Vote the stadium down San Diegoians, your public money can be better spent on things that actually improve your life. Billionaires own the teams, the players are millionaires, but they expect the average person to pay for their palaces of gluttony.
SanDiego21stCentury
So many things that will need maintenance on that "thing" called a stadium (for a losing team, by the way). The swaying feature will get dirty (how do you clean something like that?) in a region that receives very little rain (thus, natural cleaning processes). Sure, they "say" that it will host other events and uses, but why doesn't the current Coliseum-style stadium on Friars Road not already boast that rhetoric? For those not familiar with this area, the current location (and this proposal) is dead center of what is being brutally developed for residential units (condos and apartments). Can you just imagine the traffic?
So much money for an entertainment venue when the city can't fork over $15,000 to install a street light in dark areas where women are attacked at night. Smooth move mr. mayor. Now we know who your "constituents" really are......