The trend in "Soccer Specific Stadiums"

Although this isn't directly MLS-related (and if it is too off-topic mods can feel free to move it), I thought the announcement of Deportivo La Coruña's new stadium could have a long-term impact on the building of soccer stadiums in the US. Depor's stadium design was done by Peter Eisenman, based out of NY, and takes into account many of the same issues MLS owners have to confront when looking at building stadiums of their own. Here is an approximate translation of the unveiling. I take responsibility for any mis-translations. I also highly recommend visiting this link to check out the amazing design.

El Guggenheim coruñés

“Peter Eisenman’s new Riazor (Deportivo La Coruña’s Stadium) tries to confront the challenges raised by the sport of soccer in the 21st century. What is a stadium like in today’s time? What can a stadium do for its city before and after the games are played? What is the stadium’s relationship with its surroundings? The answers to these questions demand that the concept of a stadium be reexamined. In recognition of its new status, the stadium should become a civic and cultural icon. A stadium designed for a specific place and club has greater tourist and commercial potential.

Eisenman’s new Riazor is conceived as a source of immediate benefits, offering facilities that have a place outside of the 19 scheduled home games of an internationally acclaimed club. One benefit is that it will be an architectural jewel, devised by an industry master with a name of world-wide recognition.

Today’s challenge is to rethink what a stadium’s symbol may be and integrating it with the fabric of the city. Peter Eisenman’s answer for Deportivo presents a new image of the stadium, one that takes advantage of the natural beauty of the bordering the coast line. The objective is none other than to adorn the stadium with organic forms that flow in perfect symbiosis with the sea. The result is a unification of three key elements – the stadium, a hotel, and a commercial center – within the context of new and lively urban center.”

1. The article then delves into Eisenman’s plans in greater detail, including:
   
2. Sport Facilities – including a pool, multi-sport pavilion, gymnasium, squash, etc.
   
3. Depor Museum – a interactive museum for Depor’s 100th anniversary
   
4. VIP Suites – state of the art suites in the best zones of the stadium
   
5. Restaurants – restaurants situated for views of the game and the surrounding city
   
6. Luxury Hotel – 200 rooms, conference center, restaurants, and meeting center
   
7. Theme Park – exhibition halls, play and cultural shops for the entire public
   
8. Commercial Zone – all sorts of commercial options, including a main shopping street
   
9. Office Space – open to companies who wish to relocate to this area
   
10. Youth Park – day care centers, rides, etc to make the stadium family friendly
    
11. Green Space – Beautifully landscaped terraces and woods with relaxing views of the ocean
    
12. Public and Reserved Parking – Self-explanatory, but a big deal to Deportivo because of current parking issues at Riazor.

 

If I am not mistaken, Peter Eisenman is an American architect.

While I can understand why the Riazor design may not appeal to everyone, I don't believe that is what the design's purpose is, either. By referring to the stadium as "El Guggenheim coruñés," I believe they were making reference to the Guggenheim Bilbao, seen here:



The architecture of the stadium is supposed to be art by itself - something to be looked at and admired regardless of whether or not a game is being played that day. If you haven't seen the surrounding area in La Coruña, the design probably makes even less sense. But having been there, I believe this flowing design set against the rocky Northern Spain Coastline is really going to be striking.

In any event, it will most assuredly be a design that will help bring an international identity to a club that is working hard to create one. I happen to love it.