Since the stadium will not be initially fully built out, the new VIF stadium was designed as efficiently and cost effectively as possible for the initial capacity of 22,000 seats. There are only few additional program elements in the building (offices, meeting rooms) other than the main football event functions (VIP suites and a restaurant), so the design minimizes the outer building to enclose only portions of the building that house those activities. Thus, the building envelope is kept quite tight to the initial seating bowl configuration in its first iteration, keeping costs low.
The structural system will accommodate the addition weight/elements required for an expansion, and the roof is designed to be reused rather than replaced in the event of an expansion–it lifts straight up (on the extended structural members) to accommodate the new height and elements relative to the enclosure expansion. The upper level of seating–with the capacity for 13,000 more seats–will be added above the main concourse; the necessary building elevations will simply be expanded upward to enclose the additional seating and amenities.
Architecturally, the overall stadium shape has an exciting minimalist expression that keeps within the client's controlled budget. Seen from ground level, the innovative metal and glass skin creates a very attractive and unique architectural statement; the facades have a transparency that allows the interior colors and lights to be seen from the outside. The evening images of the stadium are likewise tremendously vibrant and successful.
+ Project data
Project: Valerenga Football Stadium
Location: Oslo, Norway
Date: 2009
Size: 22,000 seats; 100,000 SM commercial spaces
Planned future expansion size: 35,000 seats
The new stadium will house these commercial functions:
Team store (300sqm)
Restaurant and bar (300 – 1,000sqm)
Training center (2,500sqm)
Physical Therapy center (500sqm)
Additional pieces of the master plan development include:
A sports high school (7,000sqm)
Office buildings
Cultural elements
Public amenities in an integrated landscape design
Parking
Apartment buildings
+ Project credits
Architects: LINK-SIGNATUR, Norway + NBBJ, USA
LINK-SIGNATUR, Stavanger/Oslo, Norway
Kolbjørn Jensen, Partner
Henriette Sagland, Project Leader and Associate
NBBJ LA, USA
Jonathan Ward, Partner
Robert Mankin, Partner
Peter Pran, Principal
Nnamdi Ugenyi, Design Leader and Senior Associate
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