Introducing a bold landmark near the historic center
Perched on the edge of Jihlava’s historic center, CHYBIK + KRISTOF’s new arena stands as a vivid red beacon. This 5,650-seat venue, replacing the city’s classic 1950s ice rink, carefully integrates into its urban surroundings between a university and residential streets, while a nearby park enhances its accessibility. Wrapped in striking red aluminum and capped with an angular, triangular crown, the arena vividly reflects the local Gothic architecture and the hedgehog, a local symbol. By night, the facade’s lighting system animates the exterior, reacting dynamically to events like HC Dukla Jihlava hockey games.
Drawing inspiration from local architecture, Busan’s ‘Koma’ by U.GA Architects presents daring red spiral stairs and a glass facade for artistic urban design.
A circulatory system that weaves a striking design into public life
Close encounters with the Jihlava Arena reveal meticulous attention to flow and community integration. Expansive glass facades at street level invite passersby to engage, while the internal concourse offers a welcoming public square feel. This circulatory design not only eases movement for spectators but also allows pedestrians to traverse the site, connecting the university to the adjoining park. A 230-meter running track atop the arena provides additional public utility, reinforcing the arena’s role as an integrated urban component.
Structural elegance and design innovation
Inside, design ingenuity continues. Pigmented in deep red, the prefabricated concrete stands match the exterior, while exposed steel trusses accentuate the industrial aesthetic. The arena’s porous design, facilitated by the perforated aluminum skin, ensures natural light and air permeability. Seating is divided into two tiers, with a flexible capacity that expands to over 7,400 for diverse events. Collaborating with David Karásek of Kovostal, the architects innovated the Highlands chair, incorporating geometric sound-absorbing elements directly into each folding seat.
An identity woven into every detail
The triangular motif extends beyond the facade, enriching the arena’s interior with subtlety and cohesion. Handmade fixtures by Czech glassmaker BOMMA and a coherent wayfinding system by designer Lukáš Kijonka seamlessly integrate the jagged design language. This consistent design element unifies the arena’s aesthetic, ensuring the vibrant shell remains a thread throughout, rather than dominating with branding excess.
The arena incorporates innovative elements similar to Marazzi’s Mystone Pietra di Sicilia tiles, known for their Mediterranean elegance and design innovation.
Project specifications
Name: Jihlava Municipal Arena
Architect: CHYBIK + KRISTOF | @chybikkristof
Location: Jihlava, Czech Republic
Landscape: Zdeněk Sendler
Seating: mmcité
Lighting design: BOMMA
Photography: © Laurian Ghinitoiu | Laurian Ghinitoiu, Fabrice Fouillet | @fabricefouillet, Pavel Bartak
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the seating capacity of the Jihlava arena?
The Jihlava arena has a seating capacity of 5,650, which can expand to over 7,400 for diverse events.
How does the Jihlava arena integrate into its urban surroundings?
The arena integrates into its surroundings between a university and residential streets, offering accessibility from a nearby park and inviting public engagement with glass facades at street level.
What architectural inspiration does the Jihlava arena draw upon?
The arena draws inspiration from local Gothic architecture and the hedgehog, a local symbol, reflecting these influences in its vivid red aluminum exterior and triangular motifs.