Stadium facade made from old aeroplane parts
The architectural firm Populous is setting new standards in sustainability. At the Stade de la Meinau in Strasbourg, part of the newly renovated south stand of the stadium will be made from retired airplane fuselages.
The stadium, operated by the Eurométropole of Strasbourg and home to the French top-flight football club Racing Strasbourg, is, according to the project leaders, the first stadium in the world to incorporate parts of old aircraft into its design.
The innovative and environmentally sustainable design comes from Populous, a leading architectural firm specializing in sports and entertainment venues. The overall renovation project for the stadium is being led by the Eurométropole of Strasbourg and its partners – the city of Strasbourg, the Grand Est region, the Collectivité Européenne d'Alsace, and Racing Club Strasbourg – all of whom appointed Populous as the lead architect alongside local architects Rey + de Crecy.
Aircraft Fuselages as part of the South Stand renovation
As part of the stadium's renovation, the new design for the south stand includes the use of fuselage sections from several retired Airbus A340 aircraft, which will serve as panels for a novel sun protection system on the façade of the main stand. These panels will cover a total area of 4,050 m² across the entire back of the stand.
The white sections of the “recycled” airplane fuselages will create an elegant and shimmering façade that rises above the surrounding park and embodies the green environment around the Stade de la Meinau.
While work on the new stand is underway as part of the overall renovation of the stadium, the first fuselage prototype has already been installed on site. The project highlights the concept of sustainable stadium design and encourages broader discussions about how upcycling and material reuse can enhance the sustainability of large-scale projects.
François Clément, Senior Principal & President of Populous France, commented: “The concept of reusing fuselage parts is an example of our commitment to sustainable design. The idea for the sunshade on the façade came about originally during the Covid-19 pandemic when airplanes were grounded and airlines were reducing their fleets and operations. Our design concept aimed to utilize decommissioned aircraft and, through upcycled architecture, create an innovative solution that forms the core of an environmentally sustainable design for the redesigned stadium.”
Pia Imbs, President of Eurométropole Strasbourg, added: “We wanted the renovation of Stade de la Meinau to be an exemplary project – both ecologically and socially. Given the challenges of climate change, we must develop a circular economy that respects the resources available to us, and every public project is an opportunity to support and promote innovation in this area. The reuse of the airplane fuselages was a decisive factor in our choice of this project – it is a world first, and we are proud of it. It represents the signature of the stadium’s new face.”
The renovation project for Stade de la Meinau aims to maintain the stadium's atmosphere while improving its capacity, functionality, and sustainability. The project, which is expected to be completed in August 2026, involves modernizing the existing structure and facilities, as well as increasing the stadium's capacity from 26,000 to 32,000 seats.
The project is part of a larger program to significantly enhance the fan experience. The first phase of the project focuses on the expansion and renovation of the south stand. In addition to its innovative fuselage façade, the stand will also feature a considerable extension with new fan areas and operational facilities around a glass, five-story atrium that will include new bars, hospitality lounges, and two “party decks” – open areas with views of the pitch where fans can gather.
Subsequent work will continue with the renovation of the north, east, and west stands, and a fan zone will be created that will be open to the public during the week. (stadiaworld, 25.10.2024)
