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NEWS
REVEALED: Bjarke Ingels' first NFL stadium will be surrounded by a moat for kayaking
POSTED 14 Mar 2016 . BY Kim Megson
A newly-released rendering shows bathers relaxing on a strip of man-made beach, rollerskaters circling the concourse, abseilers descending the stadium and a surfer catching a large wave in the moat Credit: BIG and Michael Fairmont
After months of speculation, National Football League (NFL) franchise the Washington Redskins has finally confirmed architects Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) will design its new home, and unveiled the first details of the project.

Described by the Redskins as “a new stadium concept”, BIG’s creation – a transparent wave-like structure wrapped in a golden metal mesh – is designed with a particular focus on how it will be used on non-match days throughout the year for cultural events.

The ground will be surrounded by a moat for kayakers, which is crossed by bridges linking the stadium with surrounding parks, training pitches and green space.

Newly-released renderings show bathers relaxing on a strip of man-made beach, rollerskaters circling the concourse and abseilers descending the stadium. They also suggest the moat could double as a wave pool for surfers and a large-scale ice rink in winter.

Other leisure facilities teased by BIG include a Redskins museum and space for 'tailgating' – which allows sports fans can serve informal meals from the back of their vehicles in the car park.

“The one thing that everybody is excited about is the idea that the stadium is designed as much for pre-game events as the game itself,” said Bjarke Ingels, in an interview with CBS. “Tailgating literally becomes a picnic in the park.

“We have found a way to make the stadium a more lively destination throughout the year without ruining the turf for the football game.”

Redskins owner Dan Snyder wants to relocate the franchise from its current 82,000-capacity ground at FedEx Field in the state of Maryland – which it has occupied since 1997 – and build a new stadium elsewhere in the region. No location has yet been selected.

According to media reports in the US, government officials in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia have tabled site proposals for the new stadium, but the team may have to change its controversial name and logo – considered by some to be offensive to Native American groups – before any move will get the green light.

BIG have experience working on high-profile projects in Washington D.C, having designed the masterplan for a US$2bn (€1.8bn, £1.4bn) re-imagining of the city's Smithsonian Institution.

In the 60 Minutes interview, Ingels said he was determined to disrupt expectations of what modern architecture should be. “When I started studying architecture, people would say, ‘Can you tell me why are all modern buildings so boring?’", he said. “People had this idea that in the good old days architecture had ornaments and little towers and spires and gargoyles, and today, it has just become very practical.”
The stadium is a semi-transparent wave-like structure wrapped in a golden metal mesh Credit: BIG
In winter, the moat would double as an ice rink Credit: BIG
The Washington Redskins are a popular NFL franchise Credit: BIG
The stadium will provide room for 'tailgating' in the green parking areas Credit: BIG
Parks and green space surround the ground Credit: BIG
The design plans for the stadium to be used by the public throughout the year Credit: BIG
Bridges will cross the moat, linking green space and parking areas with the stadium Credit: CBS
The project is the first high-profile sports stadium designed by BIG Credit: CBS
The stadium will be a semi-transparent wave-like structure surrounded by a moat Credit: Washington Redskins
The exact location for the stadium has not yet been selected, but renderings show it has been designed as a landmark project Credit: BIG
PROJECT PROFILE:

$2bn masterplan for Washington’s Smithsonian
A proposed masterplan for the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C, US, was unveiled this week by the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), reimagining the South Mall campus and the area around the Smithsonian’s iconic ‘Castle’.

Location: Washington DC , United States
Size: BIG
Budget: US$2bn (€1.6bn, £1.3bn)

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NEWS
REVEALED: Bjarke Ingels' first NFL stadium will be surrounded by a moat for kayaking
POSTED 14 Mar 2016 . BY Kim Megson
A newly-released rendering shows bathers relaxing on a strip of man-made beach, rollerskaters circling the concourse, abseilers descending the stadium and a surfer catching a large wave in the moat Credit: BIG and Michael Fairmont
After months of speculation, National Football League (NFL) franchise the Washington Redskins has finally confirmed architects Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) will design its new home, and unveiled the first details of the project.

Described by the Redskins as “a new stadium concept”, BIG’s creation – a transparent wave-like structure wrapped in a golden metal mesh – is designed with a particular focus on how it will be used on non-match days throughout the year for cultural events.

The ground will be surrounded by a moat for kayakers, which is crossed by bridges linking the stadium with surrounding parks, training pitches and green space.

Newly-released renderings show bathers relaxing on a strip of man-made beach, rollerskaters circling the concourse and abseilers descending the stadium. They also suggest the moat could double as a wave pool for surfers and a large-scale ice rink in winter.

Other leisure facilities teased by BIG include a Redskins museum and space for 'tailgating' – which allows sports fans can serve informal meals from the back of their vehicles in the car park.

“The one thing that everybody is excited about is the idea that the stadium is designed as much for pre-game events as the game itself,” said Bjarke Ingels, in an interview with CBS. “Tailgating literally becomes a picnic in the park.

“We have found a way to make the stadium a more lively destination throughout the year without ruining the turf for the football game.”

Redskins owner Dan Snyder wants to relocate the franchise from its current 82,000-capacity ground at FedEx Field in the state of Maryland – which it has occupied since 1997 – and build a new stadium elsewhere in the region. No location has yet been selected.

According to media reports in the US, government officials in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia have tabled site proposals for the new stadium, but the team may have to change its controversial name and logo – considered by some to be offensive to Native American groups – before any move will get the green light.

BIG have experience working on high-profile projects in Washington D.C, having designed the masterplan for a US$2bn (€1.8bn, £1.4bn) re-imagining of the city's Smithsonian Institution.

In the 60 Minutes interview, Ingels said he was determined to disrupt expectations of what modern architecture should be. “When I started studying architecture, people would say, ‘Can you tell me why are all modern buildings so boring?’", he said. “People had this idea that in the good old days architecture had ornaments and little towers and spires and gargoyles, and today, it has just become very practical.”
The stadium is a semi-transparent wave-like structure wrapped in a golden metal mesh Credit: BIG
In winter, the moat would double as an ice rink Credit: BIG
The Washington Redskins are a popular NFL franchise Credit: BIG
The stadium will provide room for 'tailgating' in the green parking areas Credit: BIG
Parks and green space surround the ground Credit: BIG
The design plans for the stadium to be used by the public throughout the year Credit: BIG
Bridges will cross the moat, linking green space and parking areas with the stadium Credit: CBS
The project is the first high-profile sports stadium designed by BIG Credit: CBS
The stadium will be a semi-transparent wave-like structure surrounded by a moat Credit: Washington Redskins
The exact location for the stadium has not yet been selected, but renderings show it has been designed as a landmark project Credit: BIG
RELATED STORIES
Are Bjarke Ingels Group designing their first NFL stadium?


Danish architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) have been appointed to design a new stadium for National Football League (NFL) team The Washington Redskins, according to several US news sources.
Redskins boss takes over diner chain


Red Zone Capital – the American private equity firm run by Daniel Snyder, owner of the Washington Redskins American football team – has acquired the Johnny Rockets restaurant chain.
MORE NEWS
Belgin Aksoy prepares to mark 15 years of Global Wellness Day on Saturday 13 June
Global Wellness Day (GWD) will mark its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities that spark joy.
HUM2N opens longevity clinic at Six Senses London
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider, HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
Mayrlife opens first hotel day clinic in partnership with Rosewood Vienna
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
KX Chelsea invests £15 million to upgrade its wellness offering
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining training, recovery and relaxation.
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Why future-ready in-house laundry is the new luxury spa essential
In today’s premium spa environment, every detail shapes the guest experience – right down to the softness of towels and the freshness of linens. [more...]

Introducing Glass Act by Templespa
Introducing Glass Act, your new go-to eye serum for brighter, smoother, beautifully awakened eyes. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
We Work Well Inc

In 2019 Monica Helmstetter and Lucy Hugo founded the American hosted buyer event company We Work Wel [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

21-23 Jun 2026

Spa Life International (UK)

Midlands (Venue TBA), Liphook, United Kingdom
22-22 Jun 2026

World Bathing Day

Worldwide,
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

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Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

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