Os football stadiums They attract attention in the urban landscape not only for their size, but also for their symbolic value. For many people, they represent important stages in their life story, as they help form personal and collective identities.
OR Mineiraofor example, it is one of the most iconic monuments in the history of football. Opened in 1965the stadium welcomed millions of fans, was the scene of great successes and became a symbol of the passion for sport in Brazil.
Over the years, the need for modernization and adaptation to international needs has meant that Mineirão has undergone significant revitalization for the FIFA World Cup 2014. Completed in 2012, the change not only preserved its grandeur but also transformed it into an example of sports architecture modern and sustainable.
To delve deeper into this topic and exemplify sports architecture through one of the largest stadiums in the world, we spoke with those responsible for the modernization of the Mineirão: Silvio Todeschi, Bruno Campos and Marcelo Fontes, directors of BCMF ArchitectsAntônio Sérgio, director of Engserj and Otávio Góes, technical director of the stadium. In the conversation we explored the details of the transformation, from the reasons that led to it to its impact on Brazil as a whole.
To begin with, what is sports architecture?
Sports architecture is the branch of architecture to which he dedicates himself planning, planning and construction of spaces intended for sports practice – this includes stadiums, arenas, gyms, training centers and other types of sports facilities. It is worth remembering that, in recent years, stadiums have been thought of not only as competition venues, but also as places of competition social meeting pointsentertainment centers and architectural symbols of cities.
The evolution of sports architecture has been marked by technological innovations and the growing demand for sustainability and accessibility. In addition to meeting functional and security needs, it also seeks to provide a a unique experience for spectators and athletescreating spaces that favor integration between the public and the show.
Furthermore, sports architecture often reflects culture and social values. Through careful planning and the incorporation of local cultural elements, these projects can become important symbols of a community’s cultural identity.
Mineirão: example of successful sports architecture
Officially called Governador Magalhães Pinto Stadiumthe Mineirão was built to be at the time it was the largest football stadium in Brazilwith an initial capacity of around 130 thousand spectators. Designed by architects Eduardo Mendes Guimarães Júnior and Gaspar Garreto, who worked at the Technical Office of UFMG, the stadium became a landmark of Brazilian modernism, with its elliptical shape and reinforced concrete structure.
History of Mineirão from 1960 to 2008
Since its inauguration, the Mineirão has hosted countless memorable matches, including the 1970 (qualifiers) and 2014 World Cup matches, as well as several Brazilian football classics. The stadium was also the stage for concerts, religious and cultural events, consolidating itself as a multipurpose space and symbol of the identity of Minas Gerais. Today, with a total surface area of 320 thousand m² and a capacity of over 60 thousand spectators, Mineirão stands out as one of the largest sports facilities in the countryoffering large spaces for leisure and entertainment.
What motivated the revitalization of Mineirão in 2010?
The decision to modernize Mineirão came in the context of choosing Brazil to host the 2014 World Cup. With the aim of aligning with the international standards of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and providing a more complete experience for fans, the change aimed to modernize the stadium without losing its historical essence.
Thus, in 2010, 45 years after its construction, Mineirão closed its doors and stopped all its activities for a period of two years. The professionals involved sought to transform the stadium into a modern multifunctional sports complex, intervening in a respectful and, at the same time, radical way, reinforcing the monumentality of the Mineirão’s original architecture.
The stadium, therefore, has not only undergone architectural changes or improvements to meet the needs of FIFA, but a transformation in its intended use, in the public profile and in the symbolic value of the place. In other words, it was much more than a structural change; There has mainly been a conceptual and understanding change of space.
Find out what was done during the revitalization
Before the change, Mineirão suffered from problems such as lack of comfort, safety, accessibility and adequate technology.
Modernization brought a number of improvements, raising the stadium to an international standard. THE The objective was to enhance the historical heritage, creating a streamlined and elegant structure that could host any type of event and, at the same time, create a leisure space for the entire city. As a solution, professionals have proposed maintain and restore the original external structurewhich is overturned, while the interiors have been completely renovated.
Terrace and surroundings
With more than 200 thousand m², the terrace was designed to adapt to the terrain, creating staggered spaces connected by ramps and stairs. The space is accessible from all sides and separates pedestrians and vehicles, creating a large suspended park without the interference of vehicles and operations.
Furthermore Football Museumthey were created shops for a total of over 7 thousand m2 of commercial and institutional spaces that aim to attract continuous movement, even outside of game days. At the southern access, a amphitheater for fairs and shows with a trapezoidal plan, guaranteeing good visibility and a capacity for around 50 thousand people.
Comfort and visibility
The new features include the extension of coverage, the creation of new internal spaces — such as car parks, garages, VIP areas, canteens, restaurants, bathrooms, technical areas, press and operational logistics —, the installation of more comfortable seating and the updating of security and monitoring systems.
Furthermore, the complete redesign of the lower and intermediate rings has ensured greater visibility, eliminating blind spots. The upper ring was practically retained, but received new radial circulations and individual seats.
To ensure accessibility, Ramps and elevators were installedand the stairs and circulation areas were designed to allow the stadium to be emptied in just eight minutes.
Landscaping
The entire area surrounding Novo Mineirão was treated harmonize with the landscape of Pampulha. The design featured nine plazas, medium-sized trees, an ironwood forest and water fountains. In the external area, trees and vegetation reconstitute the slopes and areas of natural terrain.
Sustainability
From a sustainability point of view, techniques such as the installation of solar systems, the reuse of rainwater, recycling initiatives, photovoltaic solar systems, rainwater capture and storage systems and bicycle racks have been applied.
And how is Novo Mineirão today?
Before 2012, Mineirão was a great but outdated stadium. With modernization, the New Mineirão relaunching tourism and the local economy and has established itself as an important space for cultural and social events, strengthening its role as a meeting and integration point for the residents of Belo Horizonte.
Now the stadium offers more comfort and safety, becoming a symbol of sustainability and social inclusion. The modernization has improved its integration with the surrounding environment and transformed Mineirão into more than a sports space, but also into a tourist and entertainment destination.
Lessons for architects and lessons learned for future projects
The revitalization of Mineirão offers several lessons to architects and engineers working with sports architecture in Brazil and around the world, highlighting the importance of projects that go beyond sport and transform stadiums into community and recreational centres. Although the changes focused on the stadium, they respond to needs that seek to expand urban life and integrate the stadium with its surroundings.
First, there is the importance of respect and preserve the cultural heritage implementing innovations and improvements, integrating the old with the new and maintaining the identity of the spaces. Another point is to consider the use of sustainable technologies and creation of accessible spaces and inclusive to meet environmental and social needs.
In other words, when designing these spaces, it is crucial to consider not only the needs of athletes and spectators, but also aspects such as user experience, interior design, acoustics, lighting and the integration of advanced technologies.
The companies behind Novo Mineirão: BCMF Arquitetos and Engserj
Founded in 2001, the BCMF Architects develops projects ranging from residences and commercial buildings to large sports facilities. Additionally, the firm is known for integrating urban design, landscape and architecture, creating spaces that enrich the environment and meet the specific needs of each project and client.
I and Engserj specializes in civil engineering and infrastructure. Since its foundation, the company has stood out for the quality of the services offered and for its ability to carry out large and complex projects, covering areas such as civil construction, basic sanitation, flooring and urbanisation.
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