# Aluminium Petal Arenas Sports Architecture Firm 'Populous' Creates Arena Das Dunas for FIFA 2014 By Allen Taylor | Published 2014-03-20 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sports-architecture References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2014/03/17/populous-completes-arena-das-dunas-for-fifa-world-cup-2014/) & [populous](http://populous.com/) Sports architecture firm [Populous](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/populous-1) has completed Arena das Dunas for FIFA World Cup 2014. The massive aluminium stadium is in Rio Grande de Norte, Brazil, and is one of six [new stadiums being constructed](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manchester-united-3) for the tournament. Populous made the stadium from a steel truss structure and petal-shaped modules covered in aluminium tiles. The form was made to reference the sand dune landscape surrounding the city. Polycarbonate, a translucent material, fills the gaps between each petal, which adds to the aesthetic and allows natural light to fill the stadium. The stadium can seat 42,000 spectators and will be used to host four group stage matches of the FIFA World Cup 2014. After the world cup, it will be the new home stadium for local football clubs ABC FC and [América de Natal](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-protein-commuter). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.0/10 - Popularity: 16% | Activity: 7% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Aluminium Petal Structures:** There is an opportunity to create innovative and sustainable structures using aluminium petal-shaped modules. - **Translucent Materials in Architecture:** Using translucent materials like polycarbonate in architecture can enhance aesthetics and utilize natural light. - **Sports Architecture for Events:** There is a growing demand for sports architecture firms to design stadiums and arenas for major events like the FIFA World Cup. ### Who This Affects Most - **Sports Architecture:** Sports architecture firms have the opportunity to specialize in designing innovative and visually striking stadiums and arenas. - **Aluminium Manufacturing:** The use of aluminium in architectural structures presents opportunities for manufacturers to develop advanced building materials. - **Translucent Materials Manufacturing:** Manufacturers of translucent materials like polycarbonate can capitalize on the growing demand for such materials in architecture and design. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Fan‑inspired Arenas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kunshan-olympic-sports-centre.md) - [Architectural Sports Landmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xian-international-football.md) - [Curved Stadium Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xian-international-football-centre.md) - [Waterside Spiralled Footpath Stadiums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/suoyuwan-barracuda.md) - [Skyline Sports Arenas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neom-sky-stadium.md) - [Modern Football Museum Headquarters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arena-liga-portugal.md) - [Industrial Landmark Stadiums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/powerhouse.md) - [Adaptive Olympic Stadiums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brisbane-olympic-stadium.md) - [Football Stadium Renovation Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selman-strmasi-stadium.md)