CLIEN T Iglesia Ni Cristo, Church of Christ

ARCHI T EC T Populous

PROJEC T VALUE $150 million

DUR AT I O N Completed 2013

SERV ICES PROV IDED BY BURO HAPPO LD Structural engineering, building services engineering

With room for 50,000 spectators and 5,000 performers, this state of the art arena on the outskirts of Manila is the largest capacity enclosed stadium in the world. BuroHappold Engineering was appointed as structural and building services engineers for this ambitious project.

Our first challenge came in designing a vast stadium roof spanning 165m in its shortest direction, which had to endure some of the most severe earthquakes and typhoons in the world. The seismicity of the region is such that, during a tremor, equivalent lateral loads generated can be up to 40% of the mass of the building. We responded with a base isolated design for the entire arena, insulating the building at ground level to reduce acceleration of forces.

The roof itself is heavily insulated, reducing heat gain in the arena below and the amount of cooling plant required. To maximise space within the arena we located this plant in a separate energy centre where, given the unreliable grid

supply of the region, we also included provision for 100% on-site energy generation. We combatted the problem of run-off rainwater during a typhoon through clever surrounding landscaping, which includes water features that provide attenuation as necessary to minimise impact on local drainage systems.

Our building services team were tasked with providing fresh air and a comfortable client for a huge number of people in a hot and humid climate. To achieve this, we supplied tempered fresh air to the seating area that was then extracted directly to the outside via fans on the upper level. We used CAD models to coordinate their positioning to further enhance performance without compromising on valuable interior space.

The Philippine Arena stands in testimony to our commitment to provide solutions that respond to unique local conditions, and the exemplary results it produces.

A S T E L L A R S TA D I U M W I T H S E I S M I C S TA B I L I T Y

PHILIPPINE ARENABULACAN, PHILIPPINES

Images © Chris Sparrow

The Philippine Arena

Bocaue, Bulacan, Philippines

The new arena in Bocaue on the outskirts of Manila is the largest capacity

enclosed arena in the world. The arena is the centrepiece of a large complex

including sports stadia, transport facilities and general landscaping. The arena

capacity is 50,000 spectators plus 5,000 for performers and will be used for

worship by Iglesia Ni Cristo as well as other sporting events such as boxing.

The structural engineering requirements were challenging with a roof which

spans over 165m in the shortest direction, and design criteria which includes

allowance for some of the most severe earthquakes and typhoons in the world.

The seismicity of the region is such that during an earthquake event, equivalent

lateral loads generated can be up to 40% of the mass of the building. Due to

these requirements, Buro Happold developed a base isolated option for the scheme, so that the building could be isolated

from the ground, reducing the acceleration and damage during an earthquake. Buro Happold used 3D CAD models to

coordinate the building services with the structure.

The local climate is equally challenging with high temperatures and humidity for a significant part of the year. It was also a

challenge to provide fresh air and a comfortable environment for so many people in such a large enclosed space. Tempered

fresh air is supplied to the arena seating and extracted directly to the outside by fans mounted around the upper lip of the

seating bowl. This solution means no return duct work and the air volumes are kept to a minimum saving on plant

requirements. The arena space is divided into upper and lower bowls to provide half and full capacity and the ventilation and

temperature control systems follow suit.

The extensive roof of the arena is heavily insulated to reduce the heat gain to the space requiring less cooling plant and

infrastructure. To maximise the space in the arena BH also proposed moving all the major plant into a separate ‘energy centre’

outside the arena footprint. The client also wanted to ensure operation given an unreliable grid supply so the design included

for 100% on-site generation. The run-off of rainwater from such a large roof during a typhoon is another key issue and the

landscaping includes water tanks which can provide attenuation to reduce the impact on the local drainage infrastructure.

The Central Stage and choir area capable of holding 5000 people His Excellency Benigno Aquino III is presented with a book of the arena’s construction from Executive Minister Eduardo V Manalo

The atmosphere is electric as 55,000 people enjoy the 100th Anniversary opening service and subsequent celebrations

One million people crowd around outside the arena during the opening ceremony

All aspects of the engineering design were carefully crafted to recognise local conditions and the capabilities of the

engineering and construction industry in the Philippines, as well as the maintenance and operational requirements. The

project was completed by Korean Contractor Hanwah in a record 2-years 9-months and officially opened on schedule by

President of the Philippines, His Excellency Benigno Aquino III on 21st July, 2014.

Key project information

Client Iglesia Ni Cristo Philippines (INC)

Architect Populous

Project Value USD 150m

Date July, 2014 (100th Anniversary of INC)

Services provided by Buro Happold

Scheme Design for Structural engineering and Building Services

The size of the bowl is enormous and is dominated by two 165m spanning trusses placed symmetrically around the centre spanning from front to back

Copyright © 1976-2014 BuroHappold Engineering. All Rights Reserved

The Philippine Arena

Bocaue, Bulacan, Philippines

The new arena in Bocaue on the outskirts of Manila is the largest capacity

enclosed arena in the world. The arena is the centrepiece of a large complex

including sports stadia, transport facilities and general landscaping. The arena

capacity is 50,000 spectators plus 5,000 for performers and will be used for

worship by Iglesia Ni Cristo as well as other sporting events such as boxing.

The structural engineering requirements were challenging with a roof which

spans over 165m in the shortest direction, and design criteria which includes

allowance for some of the most severe earthquakes and typhoons in the world.

The seismicity of the region is such that during an earthquake event, equivalent

lateral loads generated can be up to 40% of the mass of the building. Due to

these requirements, Buro Happold developed a base isolated option for the scheme, so that the building could be isolated

from the ground, reducing the acceleration and damage during an earthquake. Buro Happold used 3D CAD models to

coordinate the building services with the structure.

The local climate is equally challenging with high temperatures and humidity for a significant part of the year. It was also a

challenge to provide fresh air and a comfortable environment for so many people in such a large enclosed space. Tempered

fresh air is supplied to the arena seating and extracted directly to the outside by fans mounted around the upper lip of the

seating bowl. This solution means no return duct work and the air volumes are kept to a minimum saving on plant

requirements. The arena space is divided into upper and lower bowls to provide half and full capacity and the ventilation and

temperature control systems follow suit.

The extensive roof of the arena is heavily insulated to reduce the heat gain to the space requiring less cooling plant and

infrastructure. To maximise the space in the arena BH also proposed moving all the major plant into a separate ‘energy centre’

outside the arena footprint. The client also wanted to ensure operation given an unreliable grid supply so the design included

for 100% on-site generation. The run-off of rainwater from such a large roof during a typhoon is another key issue and the

landscaping includes water tanks which can provide attenuation to reduce the impact on the local drainage infrastructure.

The Central Stage and choir area capable of holding 5000 people His Excellency Benigno Aquino III is presented with a book of the arena’s construction from Executive Minister Eduardo V Manalo

The atmosphere is electric as 55,000 people enjoy the 100th Anniversary opening service and subsequent celebrations

One million people crowd around outside the arena during the opening ceremony