Practice appointed as lead architect on €100m project

©Populous & Rey de Crecy_Stade de la Mineau (1)

The scheme will repurpose the fuselages of decommissioned Airbus A340 aircraft as sunshades

Stadium specialist Populous has landed the role of lead architect on a €100m renovation of a football stadium in France which will include the use of repurposed jet airliners.

The practice, which designed the London Stadium for the 2012 Olympics, will install sections of the fuselages of decommissioned Airbus A340 aircraft as sunshades at the Stade de la Meinau in Strasbourg.

©Populous & Rey de Crecy_Stade de la Mineau_Sout-East Corner (1)

A new glass-fronted atrium will be built at the stadium’s South Stand

Populous senior principal Francois Clement said the use of the “upcycled” fuselages were part of the scheme’s sustainability strategy, which will also see the parts of the stadium which are demolished being reused for the construction of the renovation.

The football stadium, which is the home ground of the Ligue 1 club RC Strasbourg, is being spruced up to increase its capacity and create new spaces for fans.

©Populous & Rey de Crecy_Stade de la Mineau_Sout-West Corner (1)

The upgraded South Stand will feature new bars and hospitality areas

Aside from the unusual new sunshades, a new five-storey glass-fronted atrium will be built  at the stadium’s South Stand providing new bars, hospitality lounges and two “party decks” overlooking the pitch.

More bars and food and drink outlets will also be created at the North, East and West Stands, while the stadium’s capacity will be increased from 26, 282 to around 32,000.

©Populous & Rey de Crecy_Stade de la Mineau_West Stand Concourse (1)

More hospitality areas will be created at the stadium’s West Stand

The scheme is due to start on site in May 2022 with completion scheduled for July 2025.

©Populous & Rey de Crecy_Stade de la Mineau_New South Stand (1)

The Stade de la Mineau is the home ground of the Ligue 1 club RC Strasbourg