Brasilia's Green World Cup Stadium Draws Admiration, Controversy

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.