New sports stadiums and arenas are quickly becoming beacons of new technology, modern design, and sustainability. Take Mercedes-Benz stadium, for example. The future home of the Atlanta Falcons has an arresting design, an ultra-modern appearance, and is looking to become the NFL’s first LEED Platinum v4 stadium and one of the first LEED Platinum professional sports stadiums in the country, regardless of sport.
According to inhabitat.com, water conservation and management is a core focus of the stadium’s design. The facility will capture rainwater for reuse in the cooling tower and in irrigation of the landscape and trees, will feature waterless urinals, and will slowly release captured stormwater runoff. Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be 42% more water efficient than the Georgia Dome, the Falcons old facility.
To reduce energy usage, the stadium will use solar panels, LED lighting, energy monitoring equipment, and energy-efficient glazing that allows plenty of natural light into the structure, reducing artificial lighting requirements. Additionally, the stadium has a retractable roof for more natural light and ventilation. Mercedes-Benz Stadium will save more than 40% in energy usage compared to typical stadium designs
The facility, which has been designed by HOK, is expected to be completed by summer 2017 and ready in time for the Falcons 2017 season home opener.
Rendering courtesy of HOK
Rendering courtesy of HOK
Rendering courtesy of HOK
Related Stories
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Nov 16, 2017
(UPDATED) Sasaki, Snøhetta, Studio T-Square, and HOK will lead the design of the Oakland A’s new stadium
The stadium is being planned for a piece of land that sits next to Lake Merritt near Downtown Oakland, surrounded by parkland and neighborhoods.
Giants 400 | Oct 23, 2017
Wooing jocks and fans
Colleges are going all out to optimize the fan experience and make the most of student athletes’ time.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Oct 23, 2017
Top 50 sports construction firms
AECOM, Mortenson Construction, and Turner Construction Co. top BD+C’s ranking of the nation’s largest sports sector contractors and construction management firms, as reported in the 2017 Giants 300 Report.
Giants 400 | Oct 20, 2017
Top 20 sports engineering firms
WSP, Walter P Moore, and ME Engineers top BD+C’s ranking of the nation’s largest sports sector engineering and EA firms, as reported in the 2017 Giants 300 Report.
Giants 400 | Oct 20, 2017
Top 40 sports architecture firms
Populous, HOK, and HKS top BD+C’s ranking of the nation’s largest sports sector architecture and AE firms, as reported in the 2017 Giants 300 Report.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Sep 27, 2017
A soccer team’s fan base could play an integral role in its new stadium’s design and operations
Sacramento Republic FC and HNTB are conducting a contest where the public can submit concept ideas.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Sep 11, 2017
Mid-size, multi-use arenas setting a trend for the future
While large 20,000-seat sports venues aren’t going away, mid-size venues provide advantages the big arenas do not in a time of budget constraints and the need for flexibility.
AEC Tech | Aug 25, 2017
Software cornucopia: Jacksonville Jaguars’ new practice facility showcases the power of computational design
The project team employed Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, Kangaroo, and a host of other software applications to design and build this uber-complex sports and entertainment facility.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Aug 18, 2017
Video: Designing the ideal rugby stadium
HOK invited four world-class rugby players into its London studio to discuss what they would like to see in the rugby stadiums of the future.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Aug 16, 2017
Detroit Pistons Performance Center hopes to invigorate the community, create an NBA championship team
The facility will be incorporated into the community with public spaces.