Japan continues to move forward with the building of a National Stadium for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
A wooden lattice design from architect Kengo Kuma was named the winner of the National Stadium design competition, held by the country after moving on from Zaha Hadid in July. Last week, it was reported that the competition was down to two finalists, Kuma and fellow Japanese contemporary architect Toyo Ito.
Kuma’s design features an oval stadium with rings of trees and exposed terraces. The wood and steel roof resembles traditional Japanese architecture.
Rendering via Japan Sports Council (via Dezeen).
While the plans are intriguing enough, one of the main considerations of the design is simplicity. Zaha Hadid’s plan was scrapped because of how costly and ornate it was; Kuma’s is more orthodox, and more likely to not exceed the ¥153 billion ($1.27 billion) budget for construction, design and other work. Japan has a little more than four years to finalize, build, and complete Kuma’s design.
The general rumblings are that Japan wanted a Japanese firm to design the stadium. Hadid released a statement on Tuesday addressing that notion and the Kuma selection.
“We were honored to be selected to design a stadium that would enable Japan to welcome the world for the 2019 Rugby World Cup and bring the 2020 Olympic games to Tokyo, before becoming a new home for Japanese sport for many future generations,” Hadid said. “Sadly the Japanese authorities, with the support of some of those from our own profession in Japan, have colluded to close the doors on the project to the world.
“This shocking treatment of an international design and engineering team, as well as the respected Japanese design companies with whom we worked, was not about design or budget. In fact much of our two years of detailed design work and the cost savings we recommended have been validated by the remarkable similarities of our original detailed stadium layout and our seating bowl configuration with those of the design announced today."
Zaha Hadid's National Stadium concept. Rendering via Japan Sports Council
Related Stories
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Mar 30, 2018
Final Four excitement? Here are two collegiate sports facilities to check out before your weekend of hoops
CannonDesign recently shared new images of two collegiate sports projects with interesting ties to college basketball past, present and future.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Mar 27, 2018
The second-oldest basketball arena in NCAA Division I receives $15.5 million update
Bruner/Cott & Associates led the revitalization project.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Feb 23, 2018
A gym’s exercise equipment helps power an arts and sciences center in Rochester, N.Y.
The equipment’s supplier is eyeing the U.S. for aggressive growth.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Feb 1, 2018
USC selects Hathaway Dinwiddie and AECOM to mange L.A. Memorial Coliseum renovations
The iconic stadium opened in 1923.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jan 25, 2018
Virginia Beach: A surf town with a wave problem no more
A world-class surf park will highlight Virginia Beach’s new live-work-play development.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Dec 18, 2017
Canada’s newest funicular makes Edmonton’s largest green space more accessible
The incline elevator is located in downtown Edmonton and was publicly funded.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Dec 15, 2017
Jefferson City’s new 80,000-sf recreation and wellness center
The facility will be co-managed by Lincoln University and the City of Jefferson – Parks, Recreation, and Forestry.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Dec 6, 2017
An upscale RV camp breaks ground in Coos Bay, Ore.
The complex will include 180 campsites and a year-round clubhouse.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Dec 6, 2017
BIG-designed 1.3 million-sf sports and entertainment district includes Austin’s first pro-sports stadium
BIG is working in partnership with STG Design and Austin Sports & Entertainment on the project.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Nov 27, 2017
The University of Memphis unveils the new home of the men’s basketball program
The Laurie-Walton Family Basketball Center will provide a strong commitment to donor and VIP cultivation.