Building Bigger: World's Largest Indoor Arena Set for the Philippines

By: Tim Newcomb (6 days ago)

Topics: architecture, arena, buildings, manila, Philippines, populous, world, world's largest indoor arena

Courtesy of Populous

Bigger may or may not be better, but it sure does get you some attention, especially in the world of buildings.
Populous, a Kansas City-based global mega-architecture firm, has announced that construction already has kicked off on their design (completed in the firm's Brisbane, Australia, office) of what will be the “world's largest indoor arena” in the Philippines.
The 50,000-seat stadium in Manila, at Ciudad de Victoria, valued at about $213 million, signifies the doings of Iglesia Ni Cristo (the Church of Christ), with plans to have the massive structure ready for the Philippine church's centennial celebration in 2014.
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Andrew James, Populous senior principal and project director, says the building's form “uses simple geometry to create an elegant appearance.” Big and elegant? This must be a masterpiece.
Whether or not the structure lives up to the public relations billing, the church plans to use the arena for church-related activities, sports and concerts and can host an additional 50,000 folks outside the arena.
Plus, you have to give the Philippine church some credit: The group at least has tried to do something innovative and different. And with 50,000 seats, you too can likely have a chance to visit a worldwide first.