Melbourne Rectangular Stadium provides our first glimpse of the next generation of Sports Stadia. With a roof steel weight of only 50kg/m² it utilises approximately 50% of the structural members previously needed in comparable stadiums around the world. Its form also delivers remarkably clean lines, clear roof space, buildability and an essentially modular form of construction that is anything but dull in appearance. Inspired by the geodesic domes of Buckminister Fuller, each of the 20 roof units use no purlins and are integrated with the structure of the seating bowl, floor units and raking columns to provide “more for less”. This was achieved through close collaboration with the architects to examine numerous alternative geometrical configurations in a search for the optimum arrangements. The steelwork figures speak for themselves. The complete project beautifully demonstrates the fusion of form and function, showing how properly utilised, adventurous thinking linked to a clear understanding of basic structural principles can deliver real innovations.
"After the Sydney, Beijing and London Olympics, new Football Stadia in the USA, Wembley and other recent Club Grounds in the UK, we thought there could be no more new concepts; we were wrong. Melbourne Rectangular Stadium embodies daring structural thinking, precision in converting concept into details, modular construction and buildability, delivering a roof that is half the weight of any of its predecessors."