Toyota Stadium
Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
Kisho Kurokawa Architect & Associates

Like a folding fan the stadium opens and closes to the sky

© Koji Kobayashi

For more photos click on 'photos & drawings' above. To see the people and products behind this project click on 'people & products.'

Toyota Stadium was sited adjacent to the Toyota Bridge, part of the main pedestrian-based road system of the city. This super-modern bridge reinforces the importance of pedestrian traffic, by providing more footpaths than roadways, and also features movable stairs with direct access to the waterfront. The bridge includes an approach on foot to the plaza of the stadium that can accommodate large numbers of people when games or any other events are taking place.

According to the client’s request, the roof was designed so natural light can reach the field, while at the same time providing cover for the main stand seats even when the roof is opened. Inclined vertical wall pillars support the seating sections, and four huge independent masts carry the moveable roof. Both wings of the suspended roof are reminiscent of the traditionally shaped Japanese roof and have been designed parallel to one another, to enable the moving of the light-weight structure along the rails by air-pillow method like a folding Japanese fan, closing and opening.

The stadium was designed exclusively for ball sports. As a result, the spectators’ seats are located as close as possible to the field. This makes it one of the most sensational viewing stadiums in the world, according to experts and professional athletes. The building is constructed of steel, covered with fireproof precast slabs reducing its overall weight.
The Toyota Stadium, consisting of one underground level and five above-ground levels, boasts a natural grass field of 478,000 square feet, making it one of the largest in the country. With its state-of-the-art facilities, it can truly be called a "next-generation sports venue." Clearly, the stadium was carefully designed to give spectators a comfortable experience and a clean, unimpeded view of the action.

Formal name of Project:
Toyota Stadium

Location:
Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

Gross square footage:
1,140,000 sq ft

Client:
Kohei Suzuki, Mayor of Toyota

Architect:
Kisho Kurokawa Architect & Associates