flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Populous celebrates its 40th anniversary with a photo exhibit of its works

Architects

Populous celebrates its 40th anniversary with a photo exhibit of its works

The firm partnered with Getty Images to assemble more than 60 images, many capturing fan ardor.


By John Caulfield, Senior Editor | December 5, 2023
BBVA Stadium in Monterrey, Mexico, one of Populous' projects. Image: Jorge Torbaoda/Populous
The open roof of BBVA Stadium gives fans a stunning view of Monterrey, Mexico's, mountain range. The stadium was one of 56 images of Populous' work on display in New York City recently. Image: Jorge Toboada/Populous

When the architectural design firm Populous celebrated its 25th anniversary, it commemorated that landmark with a book of its projects. For its 40th anniversary this year, the firm wanted to do something more: to convey the excitement of fans who attended sporting and entertainment events in and around stadiums and arenas that Populous played a pivotal role in creating.

In partnership with Getty Images, Populous curated “Live Emotion,” an exhibit of striking photographs from Getty’s and Populous’ archives that focus on the firm’s work over the past four decades.

Sixty-one images in total were available to be mounted for the exhibit, which debuted at Noho Showrooms in London on November 25, and last weekend within 9,669 sf of gallery space on the first floor of The Starrett-Lehigh Building in New York. The exhibit, which has been open to the public, will also be shown in Brisbane, Australia.

(Click here to see the digital interactive gallery)

Photos trigger memories

The exhibit includes a diversity of photos of such well-known venues as O2 Arena and Wembley Stadium in London, Yankee Stadium in New York, the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, and the 132,000-seat Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Gujarat, India.

Earl Santee, Populous’ Global Chair and Founder, told BD+C that the motivation behind the exhibit was to “trigger” in its visitors at least a semblance of the personal emotions that sport events evoke in their fans. In fact, he pointed out how photography of sporting venues is more likely to focus on the athletes, performers, and fans than the building itself. That is even truer today, as many sports venues are being designed to be components of year-round destinations.

“We’ve always viewed our [sports and entertainment] buildings as mid-size convention centers,” quipped Scott Capstack, Populous’ Senior Principal and Design Director. Capstack and Santee also pointed out that some newer sports and entertainment venues can have as many as 20 to 25 “mini destinations” like restaurants, performance spaces, gift shops, and so forth, all with the potential for creating memories for visitors.

Yankee Stadium, New York City. Image: Christine Radecic/Populous
The $2.3 billion Yankee Stadium opened in April 2009. Populous (then known as HOK Sport) was the architect, Thornton Tomasetti the SE, and Turner Construction the GC. Image: Christine Radecic/Populous
Climate Pledge Arena
A WNBA game at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, whose roof design takes its cue from the city's famed space needle. Image: Steph Chambers/Getty Images
CommBank Stadium, in Parramatta, Australia, west of Sydney, seats up to 30,000 people, It opened in April 2019. Image: Venues Live/Populous

Tags

Related Stories

Architects | Aug 27, 2020

Strategically planning your firm past the COVID-19 pandemic

As AEC firm leaders consider worst-case scenarios and explore possible solutions to surmount them, they learn to become nimble, quick, and ready to pivot as circumstances demand.

Digital Twin | Aug 27, 2020

The Weekly show: Digital twin technology and social equity in the AEC market

The August 27 episode of BD+C's "The Weekly" is available for viewing on demand. 

Architects | Aug 26, 2020

We the People: Four steps for the architecture profession to build unity through design

Architect offers a 4-point manifesto to the design community to work for racial and social justice in the U.S. following the death of George Floyd.

Coronavirus | Aug 25, 2020

Video: 5 building sectors to watch amid COVID-19

RCLCO's Brad Hunter reveals the winners and non-winners of the U.S. real estate market during the coronavirus pandemic.

Architects | Aug 19, 2020

Japan’s Tokyo Toilet project looks to improve the perception of public restrooms

17 toilets throughout Shibuya will be redesigned as part of the project.

Architects | Aug 5, 2020

Final report: BD+C's 2020 Color Trends Report

This special research report from the editors of BD+C explores the leading trends and drivers related to the use of color on commercial, institutional, and multifamily building projects. 

University Buildings | Aug 2, 2020

R&D hubs, modular-built hotels, and an award-winning student center on the August 6 “The Weekly”

R&D hubs, modular-built hotels, and an award-winning student center on the August 6 “The Weekly”

University Buildings | Jul 24, 2020

A hybrid learning approach could redefine higher education

Universities reassess current assets to determine growth strategies.

Coronavirus | Jun 19, 2020

Experts address COVID-19's impact on nursing homes and schools on The Weekly

The June 18 episode of BD+C's "The Weekly" is available for viewing on demand. 

Coronavirus | Jun 12, 2020

BD+C launches 'The Weekly,' a streaming program for the design and construction industry

The first episode, now available on demand, features experts from Robins & Morton, Gensler, and FMI on the current state of the AEC market.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category


Urban Planning

Bridging the gap: How early architect involvement can revolutionize a city’s capital improvement plans

Capital Improvement Plans (CIPs) typically span three to five years and outline future city projects and their costs. While they set the stage, the design and construction of these projects often extend beyond the CIP window, leading to a disconnect between the initial budget and evolving project scope. This can result in financial shortfalls, forcing cities to cut back on critical project features.



Libraries

Reasons to reinvent the Midcentury academic library

DLR Group's Interior Design Leader Gretchen Holy, Assoc. IIDA, shares the idea that a designer's responsibility to embrace a library’s history, respect its past, and create an environment that will serve student populations for the next 100 years.

halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021