Under samma tak: A Proposal to Unite Sports and Culture
Herzog & de Meuron, together with Marge Arkitekter, propose Under samma tak (Under the Same Roof) for Göteborg’s new arena district in Sweden, a future-oriented, experience-driven landmark designed to evolve with the city. The project is designed to accommodate civic life and large-scale events, integrating urban rhythm, collective spaces, and sustainable design strategies through adaptive transformation, circular construction, and ambitious climate goals. Developed as part of an international competition that also included proposals by White Arkitekter with Allies & Morrison, whose Meet Gothenburg entry was selected as the winning scheme, Populous with Okidoki Architects, Semrén & Månsson with GMP International, and CF Møller with Olsson Lyckfors, the project positions reuse and flexibility at the center of its architectural response.
Under samma tak reflects a deep appreciation for Göteborg’s architectural heritage, especially the city’s iconic Scandinavium arena. The team proposes an inventive reuse strategy that retains half of the original structure. The existing oval geometry becomes the foundation for a new, circular main arena that expands capacity while preserving identity. By raising the arena floor, inserting a practice rink below, and adding a vast LED screen, the design transforms Scandinavium into a semi-open amphitheater capable of hosting new event formats.
all images via Göteborgs Stad, unless stated otherwise
Herzog & de Meuron Shape an Open and Green Urban Landmark
The architects at Herzog & de Meuron and Marge Arkitekter calibrate building heights to respond to the context, aligning with Svenska Mässan to the south and tapering down toward Gårda in the east. A brick-clad plinth with rounded volumes and slender columns defines a welcoming urban edge, while generous staircases and open terraces invite pedestrians upward into the heart of the complex. Active ground floors and transparent facades connect the arenas with the surrounding streets, keeping the area lively even when no events are happening.
Above, a large accessible roof park reintroduces green public space to the dense event district. This elevated landscape, connected by stairs, elevators, and escalators, acts as both a community hub and an extension of the event experience. Designed for year-round use, the park accommodates informal sports, outdoor markets, and leisure paths, turning the arenas into an everyday urban destination. Environmentally, the green roof contributes to stormwater management, insulation, and biodiversity.
Completing the composition is a new hotel tower positioned near Korsvägen that serves as a visible landmark from key approach routes, including the highway and the main transit hub of the city. Its curved facade embraces the landscape below, softening its visual impact while anchoring the western edge of the development. Designed for flexibility, the tower can host both 3- and 4-star hotel functions and later adapt to housing or office uses without obstructing views from Svenska Mässan’s existing hotel.
a future-oriented, experience-driven landmark designed to evolve with the city
A Diverse Field of Visions for Göteborg’s Arena District
The arena district competition attracted a diverse range of architectural visions, each proposing a different approach to renewing Göteborg’s event hub. The winning entry, Meet Gothenburg by White Arkitekter in collaboration with Allies & Morrison, Arup International, Stadia Design, and Sweco Sverige, was announced by the jury on September 30th, 2025. Other proposals include Populous, Okidoki Architects, and WSP’s Hör & häpna (Hear & Be Amazed), Semrén & Månsson with GMP International GmbH’s Omfamna arvet (Embrace the Heritage), which came in second place, and CF Möller, Olsson Lyckfors, SBP, and Mareld’s Vingslag (Wing Strike). The competition brief covered a multi-arena replacing Scandinavium, a smaller arena replacing Lisebergshallen, a training rink, logistics and support facilities, an inner arena square, a hotel, and extensive public spaces, with each entry interpreting the site and program requirements through its own architectural language.
the project is designed to accommodate civic life and large-scale events
the team proposes an inventive reuse strategy that retains half of the Scandinavium arena structure
the project positions reuse and flexibility at the center of its architectural response | image via @margearkitekter
a large accessible roof park reintroduces green public space to the dense event district
Meet Gothenburg winning entry by White Arkitekter in collaboration with Allies & Morrison, Arup International, Stadia Design, and Sweco Sverige
Vingslag by CF Møller, Olsson Lyckefors, HOK, sbp, Mareld
Hör & häpna by Populous, Okidoki, WSP
Omfamna arvet by Semrén & Månsson Arkitekter AB i samarbete med GMP International GmbH
project info:
name: Under samma tak (Under the Same Roof)
architects: Herzog & de Meuron | @herzogdemeuron, Marge Arkitekter | @margearkitekter
location: Göteborg, Sweden
client: City of Göteborg
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