A Multi-Use Stadium in Tampere
Tammela Stadium in Tampere, Finland, designed by JKMM Architects, unites a football field, housing, and retail spaces beneath a striking, curving roof. Dubbed “a miniature city,” the project replaces the outdated 1930s stadium, which was dismantled and repurposed, with its old structures and lighting reused at nearby fields.
Seamless Urban Integration
The stadium features an open-air football pitch, surrounded by five residential blocks and a commercial center. JKMM Architects aimed to create a space that blends naturally into the city.
“The idea was to design a place that blends seamlessly into its urban environment, drawing strength from its surroundings and giving back by enhancing the character of the surrounding area,” said JKMM founder Samuli Miettinen.
A Competition-Winning Design
JKMM Architects won the competition to design Tammela Stadium in 2014, as the old venue no longer met football league requirements. Their winning concept, named Hattutempu (Hat-trick), merges three different typologies into a single cohesive structure.
Optimized for Urban Context
To prevent overshadowing a nearby school, the stadium’s residential blocks are positioned along the eastern and western edges. Only the tallest buildings directly face the pitch, while others are oriented toward the city.
Sweeping Roof and Stadium Seating
A large, curved roof supported by concrete and steel columns connects the residential sections, creating a distinctive half-pipe shape. This form allows for tiered seating along the higher edges of the stadium.
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Additional seating areas on the lower edges are sheltered by two narrow, curved canopies, which Miettinen described as a “captivating smile” on the Tampere skyline.
Uninterrupted Views and Thoughtful Materiality
According to JKMM Architects, the stadium’s design ensures every seat has an unobstructed view of the playing field. The housing blocks, clad in pale brick, feature yellow-lined balconies and shared rooftop terraces. Meanwhile, the stadium areas emphasize exposed concrete, with glazed walls on the north and south edges creating visual transparency through the site.
Photos: Tuomas Uusheimo
