The Japan Sport Council (JSC) has acceded to demands that a stadium planned for the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020 be scaled down following concerns that its bulk would overshadow other buildings in the area.
The proposed stadium, designed by Zaha Hadid and with a shape described as similar to a futuristic cycle helmet, would also soar to 70m in height, dwarfing neighbouring structures which are limited to 15m.
The JSC has announced that the new stadium, which would replace an existing facility used during the Tokyo Olympic Games in 1964, will now see its floor space reduced in size by about 25 per cent to 220,000sq m, although the height estimate will remain.
It is reported that a downsized version of Hadid's initial design will still be used, with the completed structure meeting International Olympic Committee requirements of seats for 80,000 spectators, a retractable roof and movable, re-configurable seating to allow for different sporting events.
The move will also reduce construction costs - originally put at 300bn yen and something which attracted further criticism - although the JSC has not yet issued a revised figure.
