Structural Design for the Saitama Super Arena, Japan

Saitama Super Arena is a composite building which serves as a spectator venue for enjoying music, sports, exhibitions and other events, and also as a commercial space that creates a lively urban area. The moving block, which incorporates spectator seating, shops and rest rooms, is 41.5 m high and weighs approximately 15 000 t. By moving horizontally by up to 70 m it enables Saitama Super Arena to serve a much wider range of purposes, ranging from an arena space for approximately 22 500 seats to a full 36 500-seater stadium. In the case of the arena mode, the seating space can be changed to provide about 6000 seats by using curtain-like partition membranes stored in the ceiling. A community area, available in the arena mode, is an open space that lets in natural light and air and is intended for use for local events. The arena space is suitable for musical events and indoor sports such as basketball and tennis, while the stadium accommodates large-scale concerts, trade fairs and, with the addition of artificial turf, even American football.