International architecture studio HOK has revealed its latest designs for an open-air stadium for the New York City Football Club in Queens. This groundbreaking project will be the first in Major League Soccer to be fully powered by electricity, emphasizing sustainability and technology while reflecting the rich diversity of Queens, often referred to as “the world’s borough.”
A Landmark in Willets Point
Located adjacent to the New York Mets’ Citi Field, the new stadium will be situated in the Willets Point neighborhood. This $780 million facility, funded privately by City Football Group and New York City FC, will encompass 592,189 square feet (55,016 square meters). It forms a central part of a larger 23-acre development that includes a public school, hotel, retail spaces, and a 100 percent affordable housing project.
Sustainable and Technological Innovation
HOK’s design team, led by principal and senior project designer Rashed Singaby, aims to create a sustainable and technology-driven experience. “Our goal is to establish a connected urban amenity for the community and an unprecedented live event experience. We’re looking forward to the stadium becoming a centerpiece for the vibrant Queens community,” Singaby told Dezeen.
The Cube: A Symbol of Equality and Fair Play
The stadium, dubbed “The Cube,” features parallel dimensions that symbolize equality and fair play. The seven-story facility will boast 11,000 square feet (1,021 square meters) of LED panels on its facade, greeting visitors with dynamic graphics. This design element contrasts with the brick and black structural steel, which pays homage to the site’s industrial heritage.
A Transparent and Engaging Design
Unlike traditional stadiums with solid exteriors, HOK’s design for The Cube prioritizes approachability and engagement. Three of the four sides of the stadium will be either transparent or porous, featuring street-side amenities for non-event day functions. This approach integrates the stadium more seamlessly into the urban fabric of Queens.
Visitor Amenities and Premium Zones
The stadium’s canopy will provide protection from the elements while allowing views of the sky. Visitor amenities will be distributed throughout the facility, including clubs, suites, and premium zones, each uniquely designed with furniture and fixtures that celebrate the surrounding borough and neighborhoods.
Pioneering Sustainability in Sports Venues
The Cube is set to become the first fully electric stadium in Major League Soccer and the first fully electric professional sports stadium in New York City. This initiative aligns with New York FC’s vision for a sustainable future. The design incorporates locally sourced materials, biodiverse landscaping, and a below-pitch water harvesting system for irrigation. A large-scale rooftop solar array will generate energy, and various waste reduction strategies will help the club work towards achieving “credible net zero” by 2040.
Future Plans and Collaborations
The New York City Council has recently approved the Universal Land Use Review Process for the entire development, with groundbreaking scheduled for later this year and completion planned for 2027. In addition to this project, HOK is working on other significant designs, including a futuristic office complex in Silicon Valley’s NASA Research Park and a renovation for Manhattan’s historic Penn Station in collaboration with Practice for Architecture and Urbanism.
Conclusion
HOK’s innovative design for the New York City Football Club’s open-air stadium in Queens represents a significant step forward in sustainable, community-integrated sports venues. By blending advanced technology, environmental consciousness, and a deep connection to the diverse culture of Queens, The Cube is set to become a landmark destination. This project not only highlights HOK’s architectural prowess but also sets a new standard for the future of sports stadium design.
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