Technology: Refurbishment and Modernization of Olympic Stadium in Berlin
The history of the Olympic Stadium in Berlin dates from the application to stage the 1916 Olympic Games in that city. The design by Otto March (1845–1913) foresaw an arena to accommodate 30,000 spectators. Although the First World War thwarted these plans, a successful application was made at the end of the 1920s to host the 1936 summer Games in Berlin. On this occasion, Werner March (1894–1976), the son of Otto March, was commissioned with the replanning of the stadium. In 1933, however, the National Socialist government decided on the construction of a much larger arena, which at the time of the 1936 Olympics had a capacity of 100,000 – with seating for 65,000 and standing room for 35,000 spectators. Since then, the stadium has undergone various alterations, including the addition of a controversial roof structure in 1974. In view of the poor condition of the stadium and plans to host the football World Cup there in 2006, a decision was made to refurbish and modernize the structure. The new concept subordinates itself to the qualities of the existing urban monument dating from the 1930s. The stadium was also seen as part of the overall sporting facilities in the area. For that reason, the visual axis out through the Marathon Gate to the Maifeld was retained, and the roof was left open at this point. Construction work began in May 2000, and the stadium is due to go into service in June 2004, when it will provide space for 76,000 spectators.
