Flowing Medellin Sports Coliseum Keeps its Cool With a Laser Cut Facade

The Medellin <a href="http://inhabitat.com/scientists-in-qatar-develop-solar-powered-clouds-to-cool-world-cup-stadium/" target="_blank">Sports Coliseum</a> in Colombia, built by <a href="http://www.giancarlomazzanti.com/" target="_blank">Mazzanti</a> and <a href="http://www.planbarquitectura.com/" target="_blank">Plan:b</a>, was constructed in just 18 months for the 2010 South American Games. The 493,000 square foot complex incorporates a striking multi-tiered roof design and an open-air skin, which takes advantage of daylight and the region's cooling breezes to reduce the project's energy needs. The $50 Million Coliseum provides an environmentally friendly, state of the art sports venue and community hub.

To reduce the need for artificial air conditioning, <a href="http://www.giancarlomazzanti.com/" target="_blank">Mazzanti</a> and Plan:b covered the exterior with light green<a href="http://inhabitat.com/hassell-architects-alibaba-headquarters-bring-a-sense-of-community-to-an-office-complex/" target="_blank"> laser cut partitions</a>.

Aside from adding a delicate lace-like aesthetic to an otherwise masculine venue, the partitions allow local temperate breezes to pass through, naturally cooling the inside.

They also let passers-by take a peek at the<a href="http://inhabitat.com/emergent-tom-wiscombe-designs-massive-solar-paneled-civic-sports-center-and-national-games-arena-for-china/" target="_blank"> sports events going on inside the complex</a>, and sports spectators get to look at what is going on outside.

The undulating green roof resembles the neighboring mountains from a birds-eye view, and was also designed with climate control in mind.

Built in a north-south position, the angle and levels of the roof reduces solar heat buildup, and further allows breezes to cool the interior. The varying heights also allow natural light to flood the interior, reducing the need for artificial lighting during daytime matches.

The structure and design of the complex also maximizes viewing areas for fans, and invites pedestrian traffic to take a spin through its interior. Thanks to its topography-complimenting design and special attention to utilizing natural resources for light and climate control, the Medellin Sports Coliseum is quite the feat -- especially considering its blazingly fast build time.