Geometry of the bowl

Volgograd Stadium

History

The Volgograd Stadium, which was designed for the 2018 World Cup, lies to the north of the city with over a million inhabitants on the banks of the River Volga where the former central stadium previously stood.

The stadium has been designed in accordance with the conditions applicable to World Cup venues in Russia, which stipulate a capacity of 45,000 spectators and a circular basic shape. On this basis, gmp developed the geometry of the grandstand bowl with rows of seating arranged in parallel to the edge of the pitch, thereby providing all spectators with favorable viewing conditions. In addition, the straightforward geometry lends itself to the use of prefabricated concrete elements in construction and to the efficient organization of the functional areas.

Design

Similar to the design for the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, the Volgograd Stadium features a concentric sequence consisting of the rectangular pitch, the oval grandstand bowl, and the circular overall shape of the structure. The facade, roof, and bowl have been designed as three independent structural systems. The grandstand areas are roofed over with a lightweight tensile structure with a ring cable.

With its polygonal, seemingly woven texture, the facade creates a symbolic analogy with the Russian art of weaving and braiding. As a self-supporting steel structure, it follows the geometric principle of a hyperbolic paraboloid. The primary rhombic structure is interwoven with secondary spatial bracing members, together creating the unmistakable multilayered appearance of the stadium.

The stadium can be accessed via a 123-meter wide stairway with ramps for visitors with disabilities.

The 2014 design for the stadium was adapted for the detailed design and implementation by a Russian partner practice.

City and legacy

Volgograd holds the title of a Hero City. During World War II, the Battle of Stalingrad, which largely decided the outcome of the war, took place here in 1942–1943. Volgograd is also unique as it stretches for as many as 85 to 90 kilometers along the river, moreover, if we add the suburbs the figure will be even more stunning – over 120 kilometers.

After Russia 2018, Nizhny Novgorod Stadium will be home to FC Rotor, which in the past has finished in the top three in the Russian championship.