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Thoughts on the metrodome....

Ironically, we almost missed this opportunity. Although aware that there had been various studies done on the metrodome over the last few years, I had not heard that there was a new rfq "on the street". Because of my frustration over the lack of innovation in sports architecture in this country, I have concentrated on diversifying MEIS architects internationally and other project types over the last couple of years. Fortunately however, I picked up the Sports Business Journal that day and learned that proposals were due within a week. I have thought of little else since!

This opportunity comes at a perfect time for this practice and is exactly the kind of project that we are most passionate about. The metrodome was a technological wonder in its day and seemed to fulfill the long sought promise of true multi-purpose. Unfortunately, today the building seems hopelessly antiquated when compared to the league's true state-of-the-art facilities. The
chance to recreate such an important venue, in a city so proud of both its team and its architecture, is the kind of challenge that fuels our practice. It requires innovation and creativity far beyond the effort of designing a facility from scratch.

The ideas illustrated in the Ellerbe study are exciting when compared to the existing structure but run the risk we believe of becoming yet another giant, decorated "shed" in the portfolio of american sports architecture.

How sustainable can an approach be that seems to throw away 90% of the existing structure? While the huge glass wall looking out to the skyline makes for impressive imagery, what is the cost to the energy load on the building, particularly in a climate as potentially harsh as minneapolis? It seems difficult to imagine a building of this scale, with full enclosure, to be built for $800M when we are seeing a number of open stadiums costing well over $1B!

If selected, it is the goal of this practice to explore every option possible to reduce both the cost and carbon footprint of this building. We believe that there is an opportunity, through innovative technology, and off-the-charts creativity to not only deliver a state of the art NFL venue, for significantly less that $800M, (THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED TABLE STAKES!) but also a true civic icon for the city of Minneapolis recognized as a model for sustainable architecture around the world.

The Metrodome is the most important sports project in the world to us and one that you can safely bet will have our full attention night and day...

Dan Meis, FAIA

Think Different, Work Different

We intend to bring a new process to sports design in this country.

Typically, it works like this:

You, the client, choose between three or four firms, all from the midwest. You give them $30M or so and they come back in a few weeks and present to you a stadium that looks suspiciously like the last four or five built but with your team logos and colors prominently visible.

Then, just when you are deep in the process, you find out the design is $50M over budget. Well, you have to open on schedule right? I mean.. the team has to play! The tickets and suites are sold. So you the owner are forced to either swallow the additional cost or significantly water down the design. Unfortunately it is usually a combination of both.

We work differently.

We will generate numerous options very quickly, in a completely, collaborative, interactive and transparent fashion. We will know much sooner the cost of the building and will present you with innovative options that we believe can actually shave your budget and provide dollars for additional revenue generating program. You will know very early what your building will look like and how it will perform and you will find it completely unique to Minneapolis and the Vikings.

It WILL NOT be a simpler, cheaper version of the initial renderings.

metrodome design philosophy

When compared with other building types, the design of sports facilities has evolved relatively little from the era of the Roman Coliseum. While stadiums got larger and incorporated additional amenities, the same general approach of locating the most seats possible around a given pitch hadn't changed in hundreds of years.
Breakthrough #1: women’s restrooms

We have set our sights a little higher. With the increasingly demanding economics of sports, competition with other forms of leisure, and the realization that the modern venue has become a year-round, 24/7 entertainment destination, a fundamental change in the design of these facilities is in order.

Breakthrough #2: cultural landmark
We believe that it is imperative that when a client is spending half a billion dollars or more on a building, the goal is much more than simply a stadium. The state-of-the-art venue today is a cultural landmark in the city it resides. It embodies ultimate flexibility, capable of hosting numerous events and uses. It is multi-cultural, and cross demographic. It is a revenue machine for the client and a memory maker for the fans. A powerful symbol of the passion for the game and an indelible icon for the city which it represents.

Breakthrough #3: moving forward
No longer a monument to the past, a great stadium is a gift to the future. Now more than ever, it must embrace sustainability in everyway possible. The great privilege of creating a landmark comes with it a great responsibility, to set a path of innovation and efficiency that will become a new standard for future generations.

Proposal in a Box, the Sequence