Swansea Arena

Swansea Arena anchors a new north–south axis reconnecting the city centre with the coast and marina.

The exterior is designed to address all directions equally, the city centre, the passing traffic and the bay. The facade appears as a fluid arrangement of bifurcating curves wrapped over all sides of the building, changing in response to the spatial requirements of the programme within. The entrance level is fully glazed on all sides, creating views between the foyer, VIP rooms, conference areas and the new landscaped park.

One revetment wall remained of the old Coal Drops, a 5m tall podium that allowed coal to be dropped into waiting cargo boats. Incorporating the old wall, the podium has been rebuilt to provide the base of a new concert arena, a parking and loading structure and a new landscaped park above.

The foyer continues the language of the exterior curtain into a tutu mesh ceiling above winding helical stairs. Inside the auditorium, fixed acoustic foam and plaster sculpted like a red curtain provides acoustic refraction and absorption.