With a seating capacity of 46,000, the Pernambuco Arena will host the games in the group stage and quarter-finals of the World Cup 2014. Designed by Fernandes Arquitetos Associados, the main peculiarity of the project, and what makes it stand out from other projects of cities hosting the FIFA World Cup 2014, is that it is not being built in a consolidated urban area. The design challenge of this project is the creation of a building that is fully integrated into the natural environment and that in a second moment can establish a relationship of unity with the future urban development planned for the region. More images and architects’ description after the break.
Located in São Lourenço da Mata, the Recife metropolitan area, the Arena’s surrounding area is partly made up of native forest, the Capibaribe River, water courses and environmental preserved areas, providing a unique character to the development. Furthermore, the location is close to the highway BR-408 and a future avenue that will connect the surrounding neighborhoods and downtown Recife, making it a strategic location that will allow a fast and efficient access to the public
Considering this, the building has a topographical characteristic, high-shaped form, always lower than the existing surrounding hills. The goal is to give the feeling of emergence as something that flows naturally from the soil and not something artificially built. Unlike vertical facades, the ascending geometry of the building envelope allows a new relationship with people and future buildings, reducing the impact usually caused by monumental buildings of this size.
The Arena was designed with the goal of creating maximum comfort and safety for all users, and a differentiated ambiance in all areas, creating a unique experience for supporters and players. Another aspect of the project is the concern with sustainability, amongst other solutions the optimization of natural light and natural ventilation, rain water harvesting and water saving fittings are being proposed.
The Pernambuco Arena will be able to host events for various purposes, such as concerts, festivals, conferences, fairs, and sporting events. Thus, the arena will be a major attraction and of paramount importance to the region’s economic growth.
In the future, the Arena will be connected to the Cidade da Copa; a new urban centre with residential and commercial areas, education and leisure facilities that will contribute to the development and expansion of the Recife metropolitan area.
Architects: Fernandes Arquitetos Associados Location: São Lourenço da Mata, Brazil Expected Completion: 2013
