Brasilia’s new soccer stadium, the Estadio Nacional de Brasilia Mane Garrincha, is on track to become the world’s first LEED Platinum-certified FIFA World Cup arena. It's also seen as a symbol of the country's over-investment in sporting events.
Castro Mello Architects rebuilt the stadium with support from The Cadmus Group, a Massachusetts firm specializing in LEED consulting, and EcoArenas.
The arena’s balconies and columns recall Oscar Niemeyer’s designs for the Brazilian capital. Energy-saving features include LED lighting, water-reducing plumbing fixtures, and a system for harvesting rainwater. Mane Garrincha’s facade was designed to facilitate ventilation and cut down on air-conditioning costs.
But while many in the design world have applauded Brasilia’s efforts to build one the world’s greenest stadium, Erin McHugh writes, not everyone is happy with the initiative. Recent protests reflect discontent with the Brazilian government’s decision to spend money preparing for major sporting events, like the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, while so many of its citizens are living in poverty.
FULL STORY: Green World Cup Venue Opens in Brazil
The World's Worst COVID Outbreak
Brazil has surpassed the U.S. and led the world in the daily average of COVID-19 deaths and coronavirus infections during the last week. Experts point to a coronavirus variant and the lack of a federal strategy, leaving states without assistance.
Brazil's World Cup Legacy Falls Short of its Billing
Evidence is building up that the Brazil's extravagant spending on the World Cup soccer championships last year won’t have the last positive impacts promised by government officials. Next up for Brazil: the Olympics.
Brazil's Insight on Climate Change Adaption
A new report from the World Resources Institute illustrates how Brazil is preparing its cities to deal with climate change.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.
Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)