Location
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Owner
City of Port Elizabeth
Completed on
2009
Scope of our work
conceptual design, construction design, site supervision, erection analysis
Architect
gmp · Architekten von Gerkan, Marg und Partner
For the 2010 World Cup a new World Cup-quality stadium became necessary. The form of the stadium is characterized by the structure of the girders, ringing the stadium like petals that converge towards the center of the stadium. To create a wind-proof intersection between the roof and the facade, the roof cladding was designed to run in front of the facade. The distinctive design of the roof is the result of the alternating arrangement of girders and membrane. The 36 spatial truss girders act as cantilevers and based on their spatial geometry and intersection they stabalize each other. An external top chord presents the girders to be visible outwards. Interplay of the different shapes of ribs and hollows is created, which is continued in the interaction of the roof cladding of glass fiber membrane and aluminum.
Main axes: 260 × 200 m
Span: 40 m
Height: 35 m
Membrane area: 34,000 m²
Facade area: 25,000 m²
Gross floor area: 50.000 m²
Seats: 46,000
Main axes: 260 × 200 m
Span: 40 m
Height: 35 m
Membrane area: 34,000 m²
Facade area: 25,000 m²
Gross floor area: 50.000 m²
Seats: 46,000
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium


