Japan Sports Council Unveils Two Potential Designs for Olympic Stadium

By Christian Radnedge

The Japan Sports Council has revealed the two competing designs for the new Tokyo Olympic Stadium for the 2020 Games.

The winner of the tender rights to construct the stadium will be chosen this month.

Although the two companies involved have not been identified, therapy from the pictures released it is clear the designs are much more understated than the original scrapped plan by British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, which had to be ditched in July because of escalating costs.

The two designs for the stadium are known simply as design “A” and design “B” at this stage.

Design “A” has a somewhat flat roof and is surrounded by distinct greenery, whilst design “B” features tall glass walls around its oval shaped outline.

Speaking to the Japan Times, architect and critic Takashi Moriyama said: “Both designs use wood in their construction materials, and I think that’s an interesting aspect.

“I think the idea of using wood in large structures may globally impact architecture.

“Personally I like design B because it allows people to enjoy walking around the facility or gather,” Moriyama added.

“I like it also because it carries over the atmosphere of the old National Stadium.”

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