Mexico City, Mexico
Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium is more than a building; it is an urban complex. Estadio Diablos will have a monumental lightweight roof structure resembling Diablos’ trident, which drastically contrasts the predictable roof geometry that has historically defined baseball stadiums around the world.
Indicative of the sky, the roof design is sharp, translucent, luminous, and dynamic. Composed of lightweight steel wrapped in PTFE textile material, the roof will become an iconic symbol for the great City of Mexico.
This monumental structure was recently awarded with a 2020 American Architecture Award from The Chicago Athenaeum and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
In contrast to the visual lightness of the roof, the base level is ceremonial and draws from many cultural cues.
Designed using local materials from the Valley of Mexico and inspired by the pre-hispanic era, the plaza level design has specific references to the court of the ancient Mesoamerican ballgame and emphasizes the connection between the earth and the heavens.
The guiding concept was to establish the duality between pre-hispanic Mexico through the base and contemporary Mexico through the roof of Centro Deportivo Alfredo Harp Helú, which blends tradition, innovation, austerity, and technology into one space.
The procession from Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium grounds into the ballpark alludes to climbing an ancient Mesoamerican temple.
As the spectator approaches the grand entrance, they are confronted with six truncated pyramids cladded in indigenous volcanic rock.
Once inside, a ring connects all the seats and functions into one experience with unobstructed views to the field.
The key goal for Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium is the vision of a great public space, where the open space is as important as the built space, which is a prominent architectural feature within Mexican culture.
Successful spaces must encourage strong social engagement, incorporate Mexican traditions, and respect existing natural conditions.
Therefore, the new stadium is seamlessly integrated into four major public spaces with very distinct characteristics.
Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium aims to reduce energy consumption, waste, and emissions. The design strives for a Net-Zero building using passive systems with minimal HVAC integration and active water reduction systems.
This goal of sustainable design, including minimal ecological impact, sets a strong precedent for a new standard of building within Mexico.
Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium is more than a stadium; it is Mexico’s ballpark. Our challenge was to make the stadium a social and cultural center.
As Estadio Azteca is the home of Mexican football, we strive for Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium to become the home of Mexican baseball. Estadio Diablos is inclusive.
It is a gift from Los Diablos Rojos to the Mexican people.
Project: Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium
Architects: FGP Atelier
Design Team: Francisco González Pulido and Alonso de Garay
Local Architects: Taller ADG
Client: Alfredo Harp Helú
Project Management: ADETEC
General Contractor: TOLLAN
Sports Consultants: Populous
Roof Consultants: Dunn Lightweight Architecture
Structural Engineers: Werner Sobek
Landscape Architects: Environment
Photographers: Rafael Gamo
