JAHN and ADG have released designs for Los Diablos Rojos del Mexico’s new home stadium in Mexico City. Scheduled to open in the city’s Magdalena Mixhuca sports complex in 2017, the 13000-seat “Estadio Diablos” will feature a “monumental lightweight” roof structure that resembles Diablos’ trident.
“Indicative of the sky, the roof design is sharp, translucent, luminous and dynamic,” says JAHN. “Composed of lightweight steel wrapped in PTFE textile material, the roof will become an iconic symbol for the great City of Mexico.”
More on the stadium’s design, after the break.
From the architects: In contrast to the lightness of the roof, the base level is ceremonial and draws from many cultural cues. Designed using local materials from the Valley of Mexico and inspired by the pre-Hispanic era, the plaza level design has specific references to the court of the ancient Mesoamerican ballgame and emphasizes the connection between the earth and the heavens. “Our guiding concept was to establish the duality between prehispanic Mexico through the base and contemporary Mexico through the roof of Estadio Diablos which blends tradition, innovation, austerity and technology into one space,” stated Alonso de Garay of ADG.
The procession from Estadio Diablos’ grounds into the ballpark alludes to climbing an ancient Mesoamerican temple. As the spectator approaches the grand entrance, they are confronted with six truncated pyramids cladded in indigenous volcanic rock. Once inside, a ring connects all the seats and functions into one experience with unobstructed views to the field.
The key goal for Estadio Diablos is the vision of a great public space, where the open space is as important as the built space, which is a prominent architectural feature within Mexican culture. “Successful spaces must encourage strong social engagement, incorporate Mexican traditions and respect existing natural conditions.” stated Francisco Gonzalez-Pulido, Chief Designer of JAHN. Therefore the new stadium is seamlessly integrated to four major public spaces with very distinct characteristics.
The civic plaza is the point of entry located to the north and signifies the great urban vestibule, where the procession into the stadium begins. The public plaza is located at the southeast corner and designed to be accessible throughout the year. It will support the local community by providing an integrated approach to retail and cultural programs, such as the Hall of Fame of Diablos. The “great berm” is where the synthesis of Mexican tradition and spirit of baseball coexist, hosting 3000 spectators. The gardens, which are located at the southwest corner, preserve and foster the existing local plant species and provide seamless integration into the surrounding context.
Estadio Diablos aims to reduce energy consumption, waste and emissions. The design strives for a Net-Zero building using passive systems with minimal HVAC integration and active water reduction systems. This goal of sustainable design including minimal ecological impact sets a strong precedent for a new standard of building within Mexico.
Gonzalez-Pulido continues, “Estadio Diablos is more than a stadium, it is Mexico’s ballpark. Our challenge was to make the stadium a social and cultural center. As Estadio Azteca is the home of Mexican football, we strive for Estadio Diablos to become the home of Mexican baseball. Estadio Diablos is inclusive. It is a gift from Los Diablos Rojos to the Mexican people.”
The strategic alliance between Alonso de Garay and Francisco Gonzalez-Pulido provides a strategic balance between Mexican culture and advanced technology within the new stadium design.
