In the ever-evolving world of architecture, the clash of screens is emerging as a defining battleground, captivating audiences and investors alike. As we traverse the realm of design this week, President Joe Biden challenges architects to conceptualize zero-emission buildings, graffiti artists leave their mark on a vacant LA tower, and designer Kristin Juszczyk secures a deal to bring custom sportswear previously reserved for icons like Taylor Swift, to the masses. Join me, Kriston Capps, your guide to the universe of architecture and those who shape it, in unraveling the latest chapter in this thrilling saga.
At the forefront of this screen revolution is Sphere, the architectural spectacle of 2023 that has taken the world by storm. Nestled in Las Vegas, this behemoth boasts 580,000 square feet of LED screens, enchanting viewers and sparking investor interest. The Sphere's success has architects and designers eagerly looking to replicate its magic, with potential future installations in Abu Dhabi, London, and Seoul. The upcoming Super Bowl on Feb. 11 promises to amplify the Sphere fever, as the National Football League plans to broadcast its grandeur across millions of screens.
The Sphere Phenomenon
However, Sphere is merely the beginning of this immersive journey. The architects behind this spectacle, Populous, based in Kansas City, Missouri, are already gearing up for an encore. In January, they unveiled plans for a stadium in Saudi Arabia, set to be the centerpiece of the country's 2034 World Cup bid. The Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, situated in the planned Qiddiya City megaproject outside Riyadh, will take the concept of screens to unprecedented heights. Covering a staggering 4.5 million square feet, it is poised to become the "biggest LED canvas in the world," according to Populous senior principal Rhys Courtney.
The MBS Stadium promises a dazzling array of features, including a retractable roof, a retractable pitch, and an "LED wall" measuring nearly 200 feet by 400 feet. This massive LED installation comprises six panels that slide horizontally, creating what Courtney describes as "one of the largest moving doors in the world." A cyberpunk promotional video showcases the arena's modular pieces dynamically reconfiguring themselves, akin to a swarm of bots executing a self-assembly routine. The stadium's estimated cost remains elusive, as does the secret behind its almost glitch-like facade, with only a hint from Courtney about passive and direct lighting strategies. A mysterious element called the HoloBox, blending artificial intelligence and hologram technology, adds an extra layer of intrigue to this cybernetic architectural masterpiece.
Courtesy of Populous
Cyberpunk Aesthetics and HoloBox Mystery
The design of the MBS Stadium embodies the futuristic aesthetic often associated with science fiction, resembling a location plucked from a video game. Its neon noir vibe suggests a realm where players track down non-player characters to uncover the mysteries of an underworld flooded with illicit stimpacks. This speculative project blurs the line between reality and fantasy, presenting a vision that seems implausible in our present day but tantalizingly achievable in a future world transformed by discoveries or technological revolutions.
Yet, just as Sphere once seemed like an unattainable fantasy, architects like Populous are turning impossible dreams into tangible reality. The design landscape is evolving rapidly, with firms like San Antonio's Lake|Flato Architects also contributing to the transformation. Known for its diverse portfolio ranging from ranch houses to cultural buildings, Lake|Flato Architects has recently been honored with the American Institute of Architects' 2024 Gold Medal.
Global Architectural Perspectives
While architects like Populous push the boundaries of screen technology in megastructures like Sphere and the MBS Stadium, other designers like Lake|Flato Architects explore the diverse realms of architectural expression. The architectural landscape is a canvas where nostalgia meets innovation, as seen in the Chinese show "Blossoms Shanghai," which paints a '90s vision of the iconic city. This nostalgic journey highlights landmarks like the Peace Hotel and chronicles the construction of the Oriental Pearl Tower, infusing real-world business opportunities into historical sites.
In Balneario Camboriu, Brazil's self-proclaimed "Dubai," Daniel Cancel reports on the rapid ascent of towers, with seven of the country's ten largest towers springing up in this once small-town paradise. However, the quest for a genuine city experience amidst the luxury housing towers remains elusive, leaving many of these architectural marvels empty.
As architecture continues to evolve, the clash of screens stands out as a defining theme. Whether it's Sphere's dazzling LED screens, the MBS Stadium's cybernetic wonders, or the diverse expressions of architectural nostalgia and luxury, the design world is pushing boundaries and challenging perceptions. What seemed like science fiction is becoming an architectural reality, and the screen wars are heating up, promising an exciting future where the boundaries between design and technology blur into a seamless, immersive experience.
