An Iconic Structure - Moses Mbhida Stadium

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The design of Moses Mbhida Stadium in Durban by GMP Architekten has added a new iconic structure in the city's skyline.

The Moses Mbhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa is a result of a design competition that invited entries for a multi-functional stadium with a capacity to 70,000 to 85,000 people. The project group consisted of 32 architecture firms from South Africa and German GMP Architekten as as consultant architects. Situated on an elevated platform, the multifunctional stadium is accessed through a broad flight of steps. A 105m two- pronged arch curves over the stadium, forming an imposing part of the skyline and makes it visible from a distant. The entrance to the stadium coincides with the place where this arch bifurcates and becomes like a gateway to the city. The facade of the stadium is formed of perforated metal sheets while the roof is held in place using cable technology.

The geometry of the roof is determined by the architectural concept.The arch which is connected by a cable system technology with the external edges of the roof, carries the weight of the inner membrane. The form of the stadium is derived from the interaction of the circular roof with the triple-radius geometry of the arena. Radial prestressing cables are attached to the external edge of the roof on one side and to the inner edge of the arch on the other. This results in an almond-shaped tension ring. The roof membrane is coated with PTFE which blocks almost half the light and protects against rain.Precast concrete columns and hollow box steel columns, support the compression ring and the facade. The height and angle of inclination of the elevational members vary around the stadium. Perforated metal sheets form the facade membrane and provide protection against driving rain, strong winds and direct sunlight without excluding the outside world.

The colour scheme for the seats inside the stadium is inspired by the coastal landscape and varies from blue and green to ivory. From a distance, the empty seats give the illusion of being occupied. The technology used for lighting in the stadium serves both functional and aesthetic functions by illuminating the structure using floodlights for some parts and spotlights for others. The roof surfaces on either side of the great arch are illuminated on top by a line of LEDs mounted directly on the arch. The rest of the roof membrane is lit from below by floodlights installed on the catwalk. The stadium with its cable technology seems to be sitting lightly without disturbing its context. The translucent external facade reflects the lighting conditions of the area lending it a sculptural look.

Text Compilation: Hina Nitesh

Photographs: courtesy the architects

Architects Website : www.gmp-architekten.de