FC Bokelj stadium

" Stadium as an expression of the city and its surrounding "

Location:
Kotor, Montenegro
Status:
International competition
Area:
3 427 m2
Team:
Matthieu Boustany, Anne Brechenmacher, Benoist Desfonds, Enzo Migne
Year:
2023
Program:
Football Stadium,
The proposal for the Football Club Bokelj builds a unique identity for the stadium that is integrated in the territory and the heritage of the city. Instead of creating an enclosed and monumental stadium, the future sport facility is thought of as an open plaza : a place where spectators can simultaneously support their favorite team and appreciate the magnificent landscape.

The proposal for the Football Club Bokelj builds a unique identity for the stadium that is integrated in the territory and the heritage of the city. Instead of creating an enclosed and monumental stadium, the future sport facility is thought of as an open plaza: a place where spectators can simultaneously support their favorite team and appreciate the magnificent landscape.

A solid plinth emerges from the natural ground, built in local stone, and protected by a green belt towards the surrounding streets. The building takes anchor on the southern street and extends the public space horizontally on both sides of the football field. The stadium is therefore unified by the pedestrian path and is easily accessible to all.

A close focus has been made to keep the building’s height as low as possible and to offer a perfectly open and transparent environment. The stadium is still generous with over 2780 seats while remaining very humble towards the neighborhood. All large programs are located below the street level, in a half sunken condition. While the amenity for the public is spread through the site in small blocks that recall the intimacy of the street of Kotor.

The Mediterranean climate is accommodated by planting a dense vegetation on both sides of the project. This natural facade will offer a cool and breathy atmosphere in the heat of the football games. By articulating the grandstand and organizing the programs around, we brought the landscape inside the stadium. A gentle movement of the seats creates a harmonious echo to the scenery. The supporters will be seated on hills while looking at the mountains.

An elegant horizontal canopy, assembled with thin steel elements, brings a soft and rational composition to the sports venue. The roof design echoes some of the built elements of Kotor : light and thin structure that creates shadows to protect the inhabitants from the sun. The roof is strategically punctured to welcome the light toward the planted patio. Anchored in 21st century situations, the canopy will also be technically equipped to answer to climate change and capture the sun’s energy.