the melbourne rectangular stadium by cox architects is the latest sports facility to go up in the sports
capital of australia. the stadium will have a capacity of 30,000 spectators when complete in 2010, when it
will house the melbourne victory soccer team and melbourne storm rugby club. designboom was lucky
enough to get a tour of the building under construction back in july. the building’s key design feature is
its bubble-like bio-dome which will be covered with thousands of LED lights. the roof is inspired by
buckminster fuller’s geodesic dome and its unique cantilevered design will provide excellent sightlines
while covering the seats. the stadium will also house a sports medicine facility and administration complex
for many of the city’s sports organizations.

designboom got a close look at the bio-dome roof that features a steel structure that will be strengthened by
custom panels that fit in the recesses. while the design is very strong and uses 50% less steel than a typical
cantilever structure, it required scaffolding to support it during the construction phase. once the panels are
put in place the scaffolding will be removed and the roof will support itself. these panels will come in three
options: glass, metal and louvers. the building also has a number of environmental features such as rain
water collection, natural lighting and ventilation and many sustainable material options.

http://www.cox.com.au


© image designboom


© image designboom


© image designboom


© image designboom


copyright major projects victoria / peter glenane photography


rendering by cox architects


rendering by cox architects


rendering by cox architects


rendering by cox architects


rendering by cox architects