Less than two weeks after Zaha Hadid Architects’ (ZHA) launched a public appeal for reinstatement on Tokyo’s 2020 Olympic stadium, and a month after the original design for was scrapped, it has teamed up with a Japanese company to rebid for the contract.
ZHA will work with design and engineering company Nikken Sekkei to submit a new design for the National Stadium.
Nikken Sekkei has worked on the project since 2013, and has produced detailed designs for the arena.
Zaha Hadid said: "We are able to quickly develop a comprehensive, fully costed design and, in partnership with a committed construction contractor, the most cost-effective delivery plan that ensures the New National Stadium is ready in good time for the preparations ahead of Tokyo 2020."
Nikken Sekkei said: "The team has spent a tremendous amount of time on a very comprehensive analysis of the unique characteristics of this sensitive site, as well as the most efficient planning for athletes, spectators and the stadium’s long-term management operations.
"Detailed plans to optimize safety, comfort, and integration with surrounding natural environment, have been fully developed, which include in-depth discussions with all local authorities.
"It is technically ready to start construction."
The stadium is set to host the 2020 Olympic Games’ opening and closing ceremonies, as well as track and field events.
The stadium capacity will be reduced from 72,000 to 68,000, while other cost cutting can come from reducing the provision of air-conditioning and the removal of a skyline bridge.
ZHA had previously said: "The stadium design is compact and efficient. It cannot be improved upon unless the fundamental criteria of seating capacity alter, or a more competitive bidding situation is created to lower the price."
In November last year, Tokyo announced it would slash $1.7bn from Olympic construction budget.
Images via ZHA
