Aviva Stadium Dublin
Dublin, Ireland · 2007-2010 · Not readily available (original stadium cost €400 million, equivalent to approx. £340 million at 2010 exchange rates)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchParametric design: The first building designed from start to finish using commercially available parametric modeling software. - Sustainable construction: Reuse of crushed concrete from the old stadium, use of low-carbon concrete, and large-scale rainwater harvesting. - Unique architectural form: The stadium's distinctive curved shape and translucent facade allow light to reach both the pitch and spectators. - Urban integration: Designed to minimize impact on the surrounding residential area.
Key engineering challenges
Building on the site of the former Lansdowne Road Stadium, a residential area, requiring minimal disruption. - Designing complex curved forms using parametric design software. - Engineering an innovative steel roof with a unique horseshoe truss and over 20 major transfer structures. - Achieving a lightweight and translucent facade using polycarbonate panels.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- FAI/IRFU
- Lead contractor
- BAM
- Lead designers
- Populous, Buro Happold (engineering)
- Project type
- new build
- Scale
- Capacity: 51,711 (all seated), Complex curved forms, innovative steel roof with horseshoe truss, 19,000m2 of polycarbonate sheeting
- Disciplines
- Architecture; Structural Engineering; Civil Engineering; Geotechnical Engineering; Facade Engineering
- Standards & frameworks
- UEFA Elite stadium standards; Irish Building Regulations (implied)
Sources: https://populous.com/showcases/aviva-stadium; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aviva_Stadium; https://www.istructe.org/structural-awards/projects/2011/aviva-stadium/; https://www.burohappold.com/projects/aviva-stadium/; https://specuwin.com/blog/how-the-aviva-stadium-redefined-urban-engineering-a-case-study/