Thursday, May 21, 2009

Solar-powered 'dragon' stadium is world's first to supply all its power needs from the sun

The horse shoe-shaped structure in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, has been built for the World Games which will take place in the city in July.
First solar powered stadium

It is the first stadium to use only solar power technology for all its electricity.
 
The world's first solar-powered stadium nears completion in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. It was built to host the World Games in July.

The gigantic 19 hectare structure which has a seating capacity of 55,000, will be used mostly for athletics and rugby events, including hosting the main events for the 2009 World Games.

After that, the Taiwanese national football team will play home matches there.

Japanese architect Toyo Ito designed the innovative steel rod structure with a roof covered in solar panels.
Toyo Ito's steel rod design
The stadium's unique steel rod structure stands out against the cloudy sky

Its unusual semi-spiral shape is intended to imitate a dragon and provide a 'cordial welcome and a cheerful greeting' to athletes and spectators with its open-ended structure.
 

No comments: