The project by TECO+Partners won the Architecture Competition called for the design of the new stadium for FC Kuban of Krasnodar, one of the oldest football teams in Russia. The structure, designed in compliance with UEFA and FIFA standards, will hold 45,000 people during the football matches, but will also be a container for events and concerts.
The new stadium is located inside the city, along the River Kuban, which crosses it and gives its name to the team. It is part of a 22-hectare urban park, a green lung divided into several zones: an open-air theatre, a cliff for climbing, a viewpoint and several picnic areas.
The building envelope draws upon industrial architectural language, taking its inspiration from futurism and Russian constructivism: the fields of wheat watered by the river are reflected abstractly in the golden, out-of-phase geometrical slabs to create the effect of a reflecting, luminous shell broken up by openings and shadows.
The slabs of the building envelope are curved in the roof and play an important role in effectively dampening the uproar of 45,000 celebrating fans. In the heart of the sports arena, planimetric rings govern internal circulation and access to the zones dedicated to commercial activities, the VIP suite, the hospitality lounge and the galleries, with breathtaking views of the events on the field.
The effect is surprising and leaves an imposing mark on the urban landscape.

Location
Krasnodar, Russia

Year
2013

Area
55,000 sqm

Design team
Luigi Benatti, Carlo Rotellini, Massimo Majowiecki, AFL Architects

Client
FC Kuban Krasnodar

Status
Concept