This project transformed a major multipurpose arena by introducing a new steel-and-cable roof structure while retaining the existing spherical building. A key structural challenge was accommodating modern performance and event requirements with minimal intervention to the original structure. The solution uses a compression ring and suspended cable net to transfer loads efficiently into the existing ribs, limiting the need for strengthening.
This design shows how an iconic structure can be adapted to meet changing operational requirements while extending its useful life. The judges highlighted the elegant steel-and-cable system suspended within the arena and the meticulous engineering required to install it inside an existing spherical structure. The project required careful sequencing, minimal intervention and consideration for future maintenance and disassembly. A strong example of how structural engineering can unlock new functionality within established buildings while retaining their cultural significance.