Stadium decision: Architects outline clean, green, self-sufficient vision

Andrew Barclay believes a waterfront stadium should express the values of the New Zealand people. Picture / Richard Robinson

Architects of an Auckland waterfront stadium promoted it yesterday as a people-friendly and energy self-sufficient building fit to grace the postcards of every visitor to New Zealand.

Going all out to woo detractors of Rugby World Cup Minister Trevor Mallard's $500 million-plus waterfront dream, principals of Warren and Mahoney said Stadium New Zealand would probably be the world's first fully-glazed and "carbon-neutral" sports centre.

"It should be seen as a friend of the city and not the enemy of the people," said director Andrew Barclay, as the minutes kept ticking towards decisions on Thursday and Friday by the Auckland city and regional councils on whether the 2011 cup finals should be contested on the waterfront or a redeveloped Eden Park.

"So we are conscious the building should express the values of the New Zealand people - it should be open, clear and transparent," he said.

Although the visual impact of the 37m structure is uppermost in critics' minds, fellow director Graeme Finlay said by video link from Christchurch that it would offer a striking showcase to the world of New Zealand's environmental and technological leadership.

Mr Finlay, who is deputy chairman of the Green Building Council, said the 60,000-seat building would be largely self-sufficient in its use of energy and water, and in processing wastes.

Energy could be generated by roof-top solar collectors and windflow turbines in the sides of the building and stored in the national grid; rainwater could be used to flush lavatories and irrigate the stadium's playing field; and industrial composting could allow waste to be recycled on the site.

"It is an extraordinary opportunity to showcase New Zealand technology on a world stage, for it to carve out its niche in that growth market," Mr Finlay said.

Mr Barclay said the curvaceous glazed "skin" of the stadium would also do away with the need for mechanical air-conditioning, drawing air through the building naturally.

"This is now the topic of our generation and, if we are going to spend $500 million building any kind of stadium, we believe it should be an exemplar of Government policy."

He acknowledged public concern that such a large building may disconnect people from the waterfront, but said its transparent appearance would allow them to see in and out of it, and encourage them to approach it without feeling threatened.