Projects
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Completion: 2010
- Capacity: 60,000 for RWC; 50,000 Legacy
Populous is the lead consultant for the redevelopment of New Zealand's premier stadium, Eden Park, for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. The redevelopment will see the stadium capacity increased to 60,000 for the Rugby World Cup finals before reducing to 50,000 in its legacy mode.
The redeveloped stadium embodies the principles of sustainable sports architecture through the careful retention and integration of existing facilities into a new east and south stand, the re-orientation of the cricket block to create an improved spectator experience and the development of a public transport hub to the western end of the ground. The new master plan directs people away from the sensitive residential neighbourhood and encloses the stadium to reduce noise and light pollution to the surrounding properties. The new south stand and eastern terraces are wrapped in a translucent skin that encloses the concourse and integral activities of the stadium whilst removing the fences to the parks perimeter. This approach has allowed the park to open up to the public, whilst keeping the stadium secure along the building's edge.