HOK, an architecture studio, has revealed its proposed renovation plan for the National Football League stadium in Jacksonville, USA. The ambitious design entails enveloping the existing structure with a fritted dome, transforming it into what they call the “Stadium of the Future.”
The studio aims to enhance the stadium’s current offerings by encasing it in sinuous and reflective cladding, creating a transparent “membrane” effect. The focal point of the renovation project involves expanding the concourse that surrounds the seating bowl, which will be four times wider than its current size. Moreover, the elevated concourse will encircle the entire stadium, creating a cohesive and expansive experience.
A distinctive band will wind its way around the stadium’s exterior, dynamically widening and narrowing at various points. This design approach will result in a captivating and bulbous facade, while also revealing strips of the expanded concourse at the entrances. The concourse itself will feature a range of interactive elements and a variety of restaurants, ensuring an engaging and enjoyable experience for visitors.
Sustainability is a key aspect of the design brief, and the proposed renovation incorporates several environmentally friendly features. The entrances will be equipped with openings that facilitate temperature management, while a shade canopy will provide shelter for the stadium bowl, protecting spectators from the elements. These sustainable attributes contribute to an energy-efficient and environmentally conscious design.