In accordance with preliminary decisions made by Stockholm City Council, a best-in-class team has been appointed by Stockholm Globe Arena Fastigheter AB (SGAF) to support them in reimagining the performance space of Avicii Arena, Stockholm, Sweden. As part of this multidisciplinary team, led by Legends International, schlaich bergermann partner is in charge of the structural concept for the new Avicii Arena.
The new structural concept for Avicii Arena is divided into five key topics, that will help to transform the Globen into a state-of-the-art venue and elevate the experience for visitors of concerts, entertainment, and sports.
First, the existing structure is being examined in an ongoing process to understand and quantify its structural system, geometry and performance. A 3D as-built model will be created based on execution drawings, old archive maps and photographic analysis. As a result of this model, several components of the existing structure will make way for the new design and therefore will be partially demolished or potentially reused for arena retrofits.
The new structural concept is an extension to the Globen that sits on top of the existing structure and its radial ribs at each radial axis. Compression ring, radial bars, undulating inner ring and inner cable net structure form the primary load bearing steel structure. Structural timber gondolas are suspended from the undulating inner ring as permanent loads, forming a seating area closer to the event floor. For the resulting “stress state”, the structure is numerically shaped and optimized as an efficient, lightweight structure.
Flexible moveable panels serve as an adaptable acoustic interlayer that allow to optimize the reverberation time for different types of events. When not in use, they can be parked out of sight to allow views into the impressive dome of the Globen. The cable net substructure of the panels is also used as a flexible rigging zone in addition to the new stage rig system.
schlaich bergermann partner is proud to be part of the international project team that has been commissioned with the development and modernization of Avicii Arena in Stockholm.
Avicii Arena, has, since it’s inauguration in 1989, been one of Stockholm’s most iconic buildings. With a volume of 605 000 cubic meters (approximately 2 136 540 cubic feet), this is the world’s largest spherical building. The arena serves as Sweden’s national hockey arena but also hosts a variety of other events and concerts. Through the years some of the world’s biggest artists have graced its main stage: The Rolling Stones, Metallica, Beyoncé, Madonna, and U2 to name a few. The vista from The Skyview, a gondola running along the outside of the structure’s curved wall, offers a spectacular view of southern Stockholm. Avicii Arena has been announced as host for the final of the 2025 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championship.
