GRANDSTAND LV

The Ljudski vrt stadium, with its huge concrete arched roof sweeping over the tribunes, was built by the building engineer Boris Pipan in 1961. Because of its extraordinary dimensions (length of 138 meters and height of 18.4 meters), it represents one of the most important architectural legacies of Maribor. The competition brief called for an addition to the existing concrete shell that would add twelve thousand seats an additional public program: four gymnasiums, fitness-club, swimming pools, shops, and restaurants. The stadium had to be built in accordance with UEFA and FIFA standards. The concept is divided into two functional entities: a public program volume and spectator tribunes in two distinct forms. The public sports facilities are located on three floors below ground, the rectangular “roof” of which serves as the entry platform for the tribunes. In contrast to this rectangular base, the main architectural feature of the stadium is the undulating ring that surrounds the perimeter of the tribunes. The tribunes are designed to provide optimum sightlines onto the field from all seats. The ring serves as a hall with room for the additional public program, a walkway around the tribunes with rooms for VIP, press, security, and delegates, and concession stands. It also functions as the structural carrier for the translucent roof that hovers over the seating area within the stadium. The final phase of the project was the revitalization of the old concrete structure. The concrete arch was preserved and partially reinforced. The tribune and other spaces below were entirely replaced, with new material and design features in order to meet the contemporary needs of both athletes and fans.