The Arena das Dunas football stadium, designed by architectural firm Populous has been opened in Brazil.
Located in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, the stadium has a capacity to accommodate 42,000 spectators, along with 10,600 removable seats.
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The stadium, which features 22,000m² outdoor plaza, was constructed on the site of the old Estadio Machadao.
Designed to be a multi-purpose venue, the stadium will also have an extra 10,000 temporary seats during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Populous designed the stadium, including the landscape and master plan of the surrounding areas.
The main stadium will host sports events, trade shows and concerts.
The facility’s façade and roof are made up of 20 petal-shaped modules, which are made of steel trusses covered on the outside with aluminum tiles, with thermal and acoustic insulation.
Populous said that the petals are coated with a PVC pre-stressed membrane and joined by translucent polycarbonate, which allows light to come through into the stadium.
Sustainable features of the project include the collection of rainwater via the stadium’s roof, while gutters collect the water and take it to nine tanks below the lower stands.
The stadium also has four lounges, which can seat up to 1,000 people, 25 food and drink kiosks, and 30 restrooms.
Populous senior principal and lead architect of Dunas Arena Christopher Lee said: "We have designed a stadium and a master plan that showcases the aesthetics of the beautiful surrounding area of das Dunas and will create a great atmosphere for the World Cup 2014."
Dunas Arena director Charles Maia said: "The arena is in the city centre and after the World Cup we can set up a commercial area between the access ways."
Image: The Arena das Dunas football stadium has a capacity of 42,000 with 10,600 removable seats. Photo: courtesy of Populous.
