Dharamshala Stadium
This is a stadium in the heavens. Set in the high mountains of the Himalayas, this sports arena deserves an architectural makeover and expansion to do justice to its magnificent surroundings. The expansion of seats from approx 20,000 to 30,000 is done smartly, along with ancillary infrastructure and a new look-and-feel that is inspired by the hills and its cultural pattern.
Upgrading this 20-year-old stadium to international standards means that seats will have to be almost doubled by adding structure and form to it. Adding seats is done for each stand by expanding within constraints of structure, sightlines and site conditions. This expansion is done artfully with steel and fabric. The weaving of the steel structure and fabric roof makes the structure functional, light, and elegant.
The design is inspired by the landscape and cultural fabric of the place with an architecture that is modern but inspired by tradition.
The addition of stands needs new staircases and other service areas. The staircases stand a little apart from the building and bring drama and character to the stadium experience. The roof in fabric takes inspiration from the undulations of the mountains but keeps a light profile. In this small hill town, the stadium has a great presence, enhanced at night by the glow of the architecture.
The structure is designed with tensile fabric in mind, and the other elements synchronize with it in a marriage of the old and new. A new facade is created with care for the ventilation and splendid views. It lends the stadium a memorable look and feel.
