The latest visuals of Populous' "competition-winning scheme" for Bristol’s new £91M ($136M) arena have been revealed, according to Laura Mark of ARCHITECTS JOURNAL. The updated scheme for the 12,000-seat venue was submitted for planning earlier this week as part of two applications -- "one for how the arena will look on the day it opens and another for how sites surrounding the building will be developed over time." Stadium specialist Populous, which is working with Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios and Buro Happold, saw off competition from Grimshaw, Bilbao Arena designer IDOM, Sweden’s White Arkitekter and Wilkinson Eyre to "bag the prized job back in March." Despite a public consultation showing "strong backing for the scheme" -- more than 86% supported it -- the competition-winning designs have been changed. The building, "which was set to be clad in glass," will now be clad in perforated steel. According to the practice this will create "a more subtle lighting effect" while reducing the impact on surrounding areas. Water jets will provide an "area for play when events are not taking place" and green terraces will create an informal seating area for picnicking or recreation (ARCHITECTS JOURNAL, 12/2).
