At the outset of the Valencia FC stadium project, the client faced several significant challenges. The primary concern was the long delay caused by Spain's economic crisis, which had put the project on hold for over ten years and drastically affected the club's finances. This led to worries about escalating costs and the feasibility of completing the stadium within a new budget. Additionally, the project involved multiple stakeholders, including new ownership, local authorities, and the community, each with their own interests and expectations. The need for specialist expertise was also paramount, particularly in engineering innovative solutions like the slim floating cable roof and the novel tubular facade. These concerns are common in large-scale projects, where tight timeframes, complex stakeholder management, and specialized technical requirements often pose significant hurdles. Fenwick Iribarren Architects' involvement was crucial in addressing these issues, leveraging their experience and innovative approach to navigate the project's complexities and deliver a stadium that meets both historical and contemporary demands.
Valencia FC's New Stadium: A Landmark Representing the City and Its Centenary Club.
Client
Valencia CF
Year
2026
Size
144 000m²
Status
- On site
The new stadium for Valencia FC originated from the need to create a modern, iconic structure that embodies the spirit of the city and its storied football club. Initially conceived over a decade ago, the project faced delays due to Spain's economic crisis. Despite these setbacks, the vision persisted, aiming to transform the stadium into a landmark that resonates with the community. Fenwick Iribarren Architects (FIA) were pivotal in this journey, having been engaged as Lead Consultants and Site Architects during the original procurement process from 2006 to 2008. Their innovative approach and commitment to maintaining the integrity of the already built concrete bowl, while introducing cost-effective and visually striking elements like a textile roof and tubular facade, ultimately secured their role in bringing this ambitious project to fruition.
The challenge.
Our added value.
The Valencia FC stadium project stands out for its innovative and sustainable approach, blending cutting-edge design with practical solutions to meet the client's challenges. Fenwick Iribarren Architects approached the project with a vision to not only create a visually striking landmark but also to ensure functionality and sustainability. A key feature of the design is the textile roof, engineered by Schlaich Bergermann & Partners, which pushes the boundaries of roof engineering with its slim, floating cable structure supported by elegant columns. This design not only reduces material use but also enhances the aesthetic appeal, creating a sense of lightness and openness.
The facade, composed of a novel system of tubular elements, forms a complex geometrical pattern that allows views from all concourses out to the city, integrating the stadium seamlessly with its urban environment. This innovative facade design not only serves an aesthetic function but also contributes to energy efficiency by optimizing natural light and ventilation.
Collaboration was a cornerstone of the project's success, with close coordination between Fenwick Iribarren Architects, engineering partners, and the client to address the financial constraints and ensure the project remained on budget. The architects worked closely with stakeholders to maintain the integrity of the existing concrete bowl, designed for perfect visibility, while introducing cost-effective solutions that aligned with the club's new financial scenario. This collaborative effort ensured that the stadium not only met the immediate needs of Valencia FC but also set a benchmark for future sustainable stadium designs.
