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Wednesday, May 7, 2008

SAPPORO DOME STADIUM, JAPAN

The Sapporo Dome, on the island of Hokkaido, Japan is the city’s most futuristic stadium to date. Nicknamed "Hiroba" (Plaza), the gigantic structure was completed in May 2001 on the edge of the Sapporo city centre. what's unique about this Stadium is that, in a single stadium there are two field one is Baseball and other is Football. In this football field is build both indoor as well as outdoor stadium with a single playing field. When required, the field will move inside or else outside on the stadium... and not only that, the field will be rotate within its axis to ensure the spectators will get a all round view of the game being played...

DESIGN

Sapporo opted for an all-weather covered stadium mainly due to its local climate, particularly with heavy snow in winter. The facility makes it possible to play at any time of year regardless of the weather, having combined an indoor and outdoor arena. The main feature of the stadium is the hovering football pitch.The all-weather covered stadium, designed by architect Hiroshi Hara, Atrie Phi Architectural Research Office and Atrie Bunku, sets out to provide an atmosphere similar to that of a traditional football stadium, with a sense of intimacy between players and spectators. This is achieved by introducing single slope conical-shaped stands with an inclination of 27º, which enables those spectators in the back seats to feel close to the field. The Dome, with a capacity of 42,122 when used for football, has two basement levels, four levels above ground - including ideal viewing positions for VIPs and media - and a two-level penthouse, with the football field on the second basement level. Along with the playing area, the second basement provides entrances for players, referees and game officials, changing rooms for players and technical officials, a FIFA office and a press room for photographers.The first level facilitates the entrance for general spectators, a media centre, a concourse with an 18m high atrium and toilets.An air conditioner and a natural ventilation system is employed in summer, while a comfortable degree of heating is applied to the spectators’ seats in winter. The VIP zones on the fourth level cater for distinguished guests with access through separate entrances.An "Aerial Escalator" gives access to the observatory over the closed dome. This spot commands an almost complete view of Sapporo as well as unobstructed vistas of the dome. The Bow Bridge Café is a huge 230-seat restaurant, which overlooks the dome stadium and the open arena.

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