Stadiums play a peculiar role in any city, prioritising not only sports but also strengthening the community, culture and identity of the place. When you see a stadium, you immediately recall memories of cheering, being out with your friends and family, and being so invested in a game that you share the teams’ victories and losses. Thus, it is important for these structures to be aesthetically pleasing to add to the pleasant experience. The fact that stadiums, by nature of their function, are large structures, compounds this need. They add to the skyline of the city they inhabit and alter the urban fabric of the space they occupy. Form and functionality play an equally important role in stadiums. 

Designed by the London-based BDP Pattern and internationally acclaimed Buro Happold, the Suoyuwan Stadium achieves exactly this. Located in the vibrant city of Dalian, in China, the newly unveiled Stadium, affectionately known as Barracuda Bay Stadium, has quickly become a point of pride for the city. With a colossal capacity of 63,000 seats, this structure is not just a sports venue but a symbol of modernist architecture and innovation. Situated on the northern edge of Dalian Bay, this stadium is a visual representation of the city's commitment to urban development and architectural excellence.

The stadium is an immersive experience from the moment one sets foot inside. It is also a reflection of its surroundings. The inspiration behind its design stems from the stadium's unique waterfront location and the rich maritime history of the region. The dynamic facade, resembling cascading waves and shimmering seashells, immediately captures the attention of onlookers, building expectations for what lies within.

Nick Tyrer, an architect at BDP Pattern, describes the stadium as the largest and most striking design the firm has ever delivered, with the facade, with its interlocking forms, serving not only as an aesthetic marvel but also as a practical element, enhancing the overall spectator experience. He says, “The design enhances the idea of sporting architecture as a form of art. At night, the stadium is a spectacle of lighting with LEDs projecting dramatic light showing off the sweeping building form. A double helix ramp spirals up the façade, creating a walking route from the podium to the roof, to provide spectators with breathtaking views of Dalian Bay. We feel extremely proud to have conceived this fantastic stadium which will provide a footballing legacy for the city for generations.”

This double-helix ramp is one of the most innovative and striking features of the Dalian Suoyuwan Football Stadium. It spirals up the facade, providing spectators with breathtaking views of Dalian Bay. This almost whirlwind ramp is a practical circulation element that also functions as a symbol of the stadium's connection to its surroundings, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with the waterfront landscape in a unique and memorable way.

A design that keeps people at its core is also respectful of the environment it inhabits. A close collaboration between BDP Pattern and Buro Happold has resulted in a structurally efficient stadium design that minimises both construction costs and carbon footprint. The lightweight cable and tension structural systems used for the roof, coupled with a tensile fabric facade, reduce the overall weight of the structure and simultaneously contribute to swift construction on site. Additionally, an all-electric heating system and energy-saving lighting ensure that the stadium operates with maximum efficiency.

It is worth noting that the Suoyuwan Stadium is not just a standalone structure; it is the centrepiece of a larger redevelopment project known as the City Marina Park. This park is an ambitious initiative that aims to transform the surrounding area into a vibrant community space, complete with outdoor training pitches, active travel routes and public realm areas. By integrating the stadium seamlessly into its environment, BDP Pattern and Buro Happold have created a destination that not only attracts sports enthusiasts but also serves as a gathering place for the entire community.

As Dalian prepares to host the AFC Asian Cup, the Suoyuwan Stadium is more than ready to welcome football fans from around the world. But beyond its role as a venue for sporting events, it represents the city's commitment to progress, innovation and sustainability. With a striking stadium architecture, immersive atmosphere and unparalleled views, the project is poised to become not just a landmark for Dalian, but a symbol of excellence in sports architecture and architecture in China.

Project Details

Name: Suoyuwan Stadium
Location: Dalian, China
Completion: 2024
Architects: BDP Pattern and Buro Happold