Architecture studio Populous has collaborated with local studio Saraiva + Associados on the masterplan for Portuguese football club SL Benfica’s Estádio da Luz stadium in Lisbon, which will feature a programmable LED “skin”.
Populous designed the original stadium, which first opened in 2004, and has led the masterplan for the updated design together with Saraiva + Associados.
The plan will see the existing stadium modernised while new facilities, including a theatre, events space and a “fan plaza”, will be added.
Estádio da Luz will be expanded with a fourth level outside of the seating bowl, which will provide 6,800 square metres of space that could be used for club offices, commercial facilities and hospitality.
A new facade will be added to help control light and heat and provide shade, while preserving the roof trusses that Estádio da Luz is known for.
This facade will feature integrated lighting, described by Populous as a programmable LED “skin”, and will be used on matchdays as well as for concerts and other events.
“The stadium facade articulates a contemporary architectural language rooted in Lisbon’s evolving urban narrative,” said Populous associate principal Michael Forward.
“A restrained palette of neutral tones fosters a seamless dialogue with the surrounding masterplan, while vertical louvres lend both rhythm and porosity to the envelope,” he added.
“The overall effect pays homage to Benfica’s heritage while creating a striking visual effect looking confidently to the future.”
Also included in the masterplan are a new 10,000-capacity multi-purpose indoor arena, a 25-by-25-metre swimming pool, a theatre and events space that will hold up to 500 people and two indoor sports halls that will hold 2,500 and 1,500 seats, respectively.
These will be used for basketball, volleyball, boxing and more, and will replace the stadium’s current pavilions and swimming pool.
Populous also designed an outdoor rooftop football pitch and a running track, as well as commercial and residential facilities, as part of the masterplan.
“The Estadio da Luz is one of Portugal’s and Europe’s most iconic stadiums,” Populous principal Jorge Betancour said.
“This project will modernise its facilities and create new amenities within the precinct for both spectators on matchdays and the public year-round – aligning it with developments such as Wembley Stadium and Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium.”
Sustainable design solutions were also included in the new design, such as green roofs, rainwater harvesting, photovoltaic panels on the roof and landscaping designed to “support ecological resilience”, Populous said.
A new so-called “fan plaza”, measuring 100 by 40 metres, will be added in front of the stadium and feature a design inspired by Lisbon’s squares. This will have a DJ deck and event space with a capacity for over 10,000 fans.
The statue of the club’s icon, Portuguese footballer Eusébio, will be relocated to the main entrance of the plaza.
“This is an ambitious and strategic project, focused on our members, fans, and the continued growth of the club, which we intend to begin implementing immediately,” Benfica president Rui Costa said.
“Our aim is to enhance the stadium and wider masterplan facilities to support all sports and further strengthen Benfica’s position, both in Portugal and around the world, as the country’s leading sporting institution – with completion in time for the major international competitions that Portugal will host.”
Other recent football designs by Populous include a stand for Wrexham FC and a football stadium in Morocco that will be the world’s largest.
The images and video are courtesy of Populous.
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