Our first prize-winning design for a new Brasilia Athletics Stadium heightens the drama of sports and performance. We did this by developing a roof that is not only protective, but also responsive; gradually changing form throughout the year to optimise shading and create comfort inside.

The design references the iconic plan for Brasilia, which represents a bird in flight, by incorporating movable feather-like components that form the roof. Each roof ‘feather’ moves independently via a simple hinge mechanism. This system creates a stadium with no fixed identity and is ever-changing in appearance; a fitting tribute to Basilia’s utopian beginnings and its fast developing context.

The stadium aims to achieve the greatest impact with the least construction material. Each roof ‘feather’ is designed to be ultra-light weight to allow for effective movement with minimum energy use.