‘La Peineta’ Madrid Athletics stadium

The Madrid track and field Stadium will be the keystone for a set of sports facilities. The area is located at the East of Madrid, bordered by the city’s outer ringroad, the M-40, and the end of the Avenida de los Arcentales.

The project established a unitary solution, where the stadium is situated on a central square platform that will connect other sports facilities in the future. Underneath it, before arriving at the stadium, are the general services. These receive natural light and ventilation from open shaft-wells. The grandstand rises from the platform, which, being an autonomous part, makes it the dominant architectural shape in the whole structure. Its position, next to the home stretch, is where the largest number of spectators gather to witness the culminating moments of track races. It is also suitable for holding music concerts or other activities required to provide additional income for this type of installation.

From the outside, the grandstand appears to be supported by several differently curved concrete walls. A large part of it juts out over the upper terrace, from which spectators may enjoy the views of Madrid. The walls are interspersed with a grid of narrow windows that provide illumination and ventilation, and produce an unexpected play of light that changes throughout the day.

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