Designed around people
The stadium is not just a remarkable piece architecture and structural engineering, but also sets global standards for spectator experience. It was designed around people – ensuring optimum view, comfortable seats and maximum enjoyment of sporting events.
To maintain the atmosphere and provide a superb stadium experience, the roof was clad with ethyl tetrofluoroethylene (ETFE) panels on the upper surface and an acoustic membrane on the lower surface.
Spectators’ sight lines at different sporting activities were important to the design.
Arup was aware that during athletic races the most important view is of the finish line, but when the stadium is used for football – one of its future uses after the Olympics – the best views are of the centre line.
Precise analysis and modelling was used to ensure that spectator views, given the complexity of the large structure, were at the heart of the design to guarantee clear sight lines at any time from any angle.