© Hubertus Hamm
Situated near an autobahn intersection, the new Munich football stadium, together with a wind turbine on a nearby hill, forms a landmark that defines the northern entrance to the city. The spacious surroundings are reflected in the architecture. The white, rounded volume of the Allianz Arena, like an abstract sculpture in the landscape, seems devoid of any elements that might indicate a sense of scale and reveal its true dimensions. The processional approach for fans is theatrically staged with a 600-metre-long esplanade and cascades of stairs from the stands. At night, when matches are being played, the plastic membrane skin, with its diamond-shaped pattern, is transformed into a huge lantern of magical effect. Depending on the colours of the home team that happens to be playing, the immediate surroundings are bathed in red or blue light. In this way, the architects were able to create a structure with which the clients – the two football clubs, Bayern Munich and TSV 1860 Munich – can identify. For matches played by the German national team, the arena is illuminated with white light. Internally, a sober grey prevails. Only when the steep tiers of seating are filled with spectators, does one appreciate the way a stadium is deliberately transformed into a seething cauldron. In spite of the intensity of the atmosphere, the access areas are generously dimensioned and invite visitors to stroll between the champagne bar and the sausage stand.