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 | Mar 19, 2015
Populous design wins competition for UK's most sustainable arena
The live-concert venue will seat an audience of 12,000, which the firm says will be masked by “the atmosphere and intimacy of a 4,000-seat amphitheatre.”
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Mar 11, 2015
Foster + Partners wins bid for 2022 World Cup centerpiece stadium in Qatar
Norman Foster described the design as “an exciting step forward in stadium design—it will be the first to break the mold of the free-standing suburban concept, and instead anticipates the grid of this future city.”
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Mar 5, 2015
New HOK designs for St. Louis NFL stadium unveiled
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has assembled a task force to develop plans for an open-air NFL stadium on the North Riverfront of downtown St. Louis.
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2015
FEMA cuts off funding to Indiana after Kokomo continues building stadium in flood zone
FEMA will withhold funding on $5.5 million worth of projects such as building tornado safe rooms in schools.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Feb 21, 2015
Pumped-up recreation centers help build body, mind, and spirit
Adopting facility layouts from Asian and European models, today’s sports and recreational buildings are becoming social hubs that accommodate a variety of community needs.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Feb 20, 2015
Chargers, Raiders propose joint stadium in Carson
Two rival teams may bring the NFL back to Los Angeles.
Mixed-Use | Feb 13, 2015
First Look: Sacramento Planning Commission approves mixed-use tower by the new Kings arena
The project, named Downtown Plaza Tower, will have 16 stories and will include a public lobby, retail and office space, 250 hotel rooms, and residences at the top of the tower.
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2015
New Appraisal Institute form aids in analysis of green commercial building features
The Institute’s Commercial Green and Energy Efficient Addendum offers a communication tool that lenders can use as part of the scope of work.
Transit Facilities | Feb 12, 2015
Gensler proposes network of cycle highways in London’s unused underground
Unused tube lines would host pedestrian paths, cycle routes, cultural spaces, and retail outlets.
Cultural Facilities | Feb 6, 2015
Under the sea: Manmade island functions as artificial reef
The proposed island would allow visitors to view the enormous faux-reef and its accompanying marine life from the water’s surface to its depths, functioning as an educational center and marine life reserve.
