toyo ito: world games stadium in kaohsiung taiwan opens

world games stadium in kaohsiung taiwan by toyo ito getty images

designed by japanese architect toyo ito, the world games’ main stadium was unveiled yesterday at an opening ceremony. the stadium consists of approximately 8 844 solar panels on a surface area of 14 155m2 intergrated into the roof construction. the form which emulates that of a flowing river, depending on the sunshine, can cover 75 % of the energy needs. on days when no competitions will take place, the electricity generated is fed into the grid. with more than 40 000 seats it is surrounded by a vast new public park including palm trees and tropical plants. visitors arriving from downtown via public transportation walk down a broad boulevarde before turning into the plaza. at the stadium’s narrowest section ticket windows and restaurants are housed. concourses and upper level seating are supported by a ring of concrete structures.

world games stadium in kaohsiung taiwan by toyo ito photo marc bibo

world games stadium – construction © fu tsu construction co. ltd image courtesy toyo ito architect

world games stadium – construction © fu tsu construction co. ltd image courtesy toyo ito architect

world games stadium – construction © fu tsu construction co. ltd image courtesy toyo ito architect

world games stadium – concrete structures © fu tsu construction co. ltd image courtesy toyo ito architect