Text description provided by the architects. The Danish town of Horsens brands itself on cultural events with a national as well as international appeal, not least when it comes to football and music. Home ground for AC Horsens, the local football team, and venue for mega- concerts with artists like Madonna and Rolling Stones, the Horsens Stadium required an architectural solution in which the stadium will become a brand itself. It is created to make the players and the crowd feels the intensity of the arena and the excitement of the game. The surroundings and security played a significant part in the design. The soft lines and the ‘friendly’ expression matches the urban sur- roundings; especially the neighbor, existing Forum Horsens.
The new stadium will have clear logistics, and will be able to handle a large crowd easily and safe. The goal has been to create a stadium in premier league.
The new Stadium is almost a square, framed by a continuous, light semi-transparent glass screen that offers an inviting face to the city. The screen is lifted a couple of floors from ground to make the entire building complex appear light, and to avoid malicious damage. The two long sides are tall. In the space underneath you find all entrances concentrated so the public only must go for ‘south’ or ‘north’ side.
The long sides are also where changing rooms, meeting rooms, VIP-lounges, press etc. are situated. On the short sides, the roof bends down in a smooth move that opens for the natural light. One short side is mobile, and will be moved away swiftly when the stadium is used for large concerts. Four large floodlight pylons embody efficient technology with a friendly face. Their original shape will become a landmark to Horsens, not least when they glow in the dark, announcing a stadium event.
