thanasis
thanasis is a designer of objects & places.
uncertain futures
new stadium design
Introduction
What happens to a ski town without snow? This competition was launched by the city of Villars to re-imagine their leisure city as a reaction to global warming.
This proposal removes an existing ice-rink and relocates a new multipurpose sports complex on top an existing swimming facility. By demolishing the existing ice rink and placing a green space in its place, the center of Villars allows nature to reclaim the oversized hardscape, bringing it closer to the themes of landscape. The façade of the new arena is retractable - allowing it to open and close to its elements, adding another level of flexibility.
With the future of Villars uncertain, this facility aims to provide multiple scenarios of events, as it heads down a path of programmatic experimentation.
rendering of approach to winebar
the hills above the village of villars
The current rink is overscaled and uncontextualized, creating a barrier across the site.
renderings of the proposed new stadium
Unlike the current rink, the new stadium is suspended in the air, freeing the ground floor. The facede has panels that open and close allowing for use in the summer aswell as the winter.
In addition to the stadium, an elevated walkway links the mountains to the village of villars.