The Danish town of Horsens brands itself on cultural eventswith a national as well as international appeal, not leastwhen it comes to football and music. Home ground forAC Horsens, the local football team, and venue for megaconcertswith artists like Madonna and Rolling Stones, theHorsens Stadium required an architectural solution in whichthe stadium will become a brand itself. It is created tomake the players and the crowd feels the intensity of thearena and the excitement of the game. The surroundingsand security played a significant part in the design. The softlines and the ‘friendly’ expression matches the urban surroundings;especially the neighbor, existing Forum Horsens.
The new stadium will have clear logistics, and will be ableto handle a large crowd easily and safe. The goal has beento create a stadium in premier league.
The new Stadium is almost a square, framed by a continuous,light semi-transparent glass screen that offers an invitingface to the city. The screen is lifted a couple of floors fromground to make the entire building complex appear light, andto avoid malicious damage. The two long sides are tall. In thespace underneath you find all entrances concentrated so thepublic only must go for ‘south’ or ‘north’ side. The long sidesare also where changing rooms, meeting rooms, VIP-lounges,press etc. are situated. On the short sides, the roof bendsdown in a smooth move that opens for the natural light. Oneshort side is mobile, and will be moved away swiftly whenthe stadium is used for large concerts. Four large floodlightpylons embody efficient technology with a friendly face. Theiroriginal shape will become a landmark to Horsens, not leastwhen they glow in the dark, announcing a stadium event.