Freiburg, Germany
The new Europe-Park Stadium by HPP Architekten GmbH and club L94 Landschaftsarchitekten GmbH for Stadion Freiburg Objektträger GmbH & Co. (SFG) replaces the former stadium with one whose architecture expresses a new identity for SC Freiburg fans and the city.
The old Freiburg stadium, which has been evolving over decades, no longer met today’s requirements: The pitch was too short, visibility was obstructed, and there was no VIP area.
The design for the new soccer stadium for SC Freiburg, Europa-Park Stadium envisages a structure with a clear and timeless elegance that blends gently into the landscape and is suited to shaping an architectural identity for SC Freiburg fans and the city.
For its all-encompassing design, Europe-Park Stadium has recently been awarded a 2022 International Architecture Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
The coherence and timelessness of the finished construction ensure that it blends seamlessly into the topography of the Wolfswinkel in the west of Freiburg.
Due to its proximity to the airport and the associated height limitation, the stadium is designed with a flat orthogonal roof geometry, whilst external diagonal tension rods lend an unmistakable character.
In response to the basic octagonal shape of the stadium’s interior, the main access points are situated at the corners, creating a dynamic effect and sense of identity.
Multifunctional, sustainable, and clear, the architecture focuses on the essentials—structure, functionality, and cost-effectiveness—but above all, on sensory experience with an abundance of openness and transparency.
The Freiburg stadium unites a wide range of sports as well as non-sport events under one roof.
The business, conference, and event areas are designed in such a way that they can be operated independently during and apart from the football matches.
Sustainability was given due consideration in the retrofitting of the entire roof with 15,000 square meters of photovoltaic panels.
Apart from using clear architectural language, a shared experience for the fans was the focus of the design right from the start.
A viewing gap between the upper and lower tiers makes it possible for fans to experience the interior of the stadium as soon as they enter.
Through this permanent reference to the playing field, the surrounding promenade becomes a place for the public to linger and engage with one another—before, after, and during the game.
The promenade offers everyone—whether walking or in a wheelchair—an equal stadium experience.
Additionally, the grandstands are arranged in such a way that the spectators can enjoy a perfect view of the pitch from any direction and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the game.
To the south, the promenade gives way to the fan wall. A continuous tier from the base all the way up to the roof provides space for up to 8,700 standing spectators.
Project: Europa-Park Stadium
Architects: HPP Architekten GmbH
Landscape Architects: club L94 Landschaftsarchitekten GmbH
General Contractors: Köster GmbH, Structural: Krebs&Kiefer Ingenieure GmbH (Solid construction), knippershelbig GmbH (Supporting structure)
Client: Stadion Freiburg Objektträger GmbH & Co. (SFG)
Photographers: Klaus Polkowski
