Populous: Arena das Dunas

Inspired by the coastal city of Natal’s sand dune landscape, Populous designed the Arena das Dunas, which will host four group stage matches during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.

Populous designed Arena das Dunas including the landscape and masterplan of the surrounding areas.

The venue, which was inspired by the coastal city of Natal’s sand dune landscape, has a capacity of 42,000 with 10,600 removable seats.

The Dunas Arena is designed to be a multipurpose venue. After 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, the main stadium will host sports events, trade shows and concerts, and the stadium’s 22,000 sqm outdoor plaza will also host events.

The arena’s facade and roof are integrated and made up of 20 petal-shaped modules, designed to be higher on one of the stadium's sides, giving the impression that the sand dunes – which are common in the region – are moving. The design also enables more ventilation and light to come into the stadium.

Popolous, Arena das Dunas, Natal, Brazil — Populous, Arena das Dunas, Natal, Brazil. Photo Populous

The petal-shaped structures of the roof are made of steel trusses, covered on the outside with aluminum tiles, with thermal and acoustic insulation. Internally, they are coated with a PVC prestressed membrane. The parts are joined by translucent polycarbonate, which allows light to come through.

The Dunas Arena’s roof was also designed to capture rainwater. Gutters collect the water and take it to nine tanks below the lower stands. As a result, up to 3,000 cubic meters may be captured and reused in the lavatories and for irrigating the pitch.