Designed in his famous contemporary style, Kengo Kuma’s wood lattice stadium conveys a sense of lightness despite its large size. The oval arena is ringed with leafy vegetation planted in the exposed terraces. According to Japan Times, the estimated cost of the overall project is ¥153 billion, half of which will be paid by the central government.
Related: Japan scraps Zaha Hadid’s $2.1 billion 2020 Tokyo Olympic stadium
Hadid issued a statement following yesterday’s winner announcement that accused the Japanese government and authorities of colluding “to close the doors on the project to the world.” She added that she saw “remarkable similarities” between her original stadium layout and seating bowl configuration with those in Kuma’s design. “Work would already be underway building the stadium if the original design team had simply been able to develop this original design, avoiding the increased costs of an 18 month delay and risk that it may not be ready in time for the 2020 Games,” said Hadid. Her design was scrapped earlier this year due to escalating cost estimates and growing public dissatisifaction.
Construction on Kuma’s design is slated to finish by November 2019 in time for the Olympics opening ceremony in July 2020.
+ Kengo Kuma
+ Zaha Hadid
Via Japan Times
Kengo Kuma renderings via Japan Sport Council, Zaha Hadid renderings via Zaha Hadid
