populous and Saraiva + Associados reveal new urban masterplan
Football club S.L. Benfica reveals plans for a sweeping new masterplan for Portugal’s Estádio da Luz and its surrounding precinct, designed by Populous in collaboration with local architects Saraiva + Associados. The original stadium, designed by Populous in 2004, is now set for a major transformation that will expands its civic role and reposition it as a year-round cultural and entertainment hub.
The redevelopment extends well beyond the stadium walls, which also be getting a contemporary makeover, beginning with a new fan plaza that draws from the typology of Lisbon’s historic squares to accommodate over 10,000 fans. It will act as the site’s central gathering space, hosting food and beverage outlets, terraced restaurants, a DJ platform, and an event space. This space will be framed by a new mixed-use urban district comprising a theatre, community swimming pool, rooftop football pitch, and two state-of-the-art indoor arenas, each offering adaptable spaces for sports and other cultural programming.
all images courtesy of Populous
transforming a stadium into a vibrant urban district in lisbon
Populous positions Estádio da Luz as the keystone of a wider masterplan to shift the structure from a seasonal sporting venue to an integrated neighbourhood precinct embedded in daily civic life. This includes new cultural, leisure, and residential functions, enhancing public engagement further with fluid pedestrian movement, new connectivity bridges, and a softened public threshold.
The new 10,000-capacity indoor arena and two smaller multi-use halls will also replace the existing sports pavilions, adding flexible venues for events ranging from volleyball to esports. The global architecture firm has also planned for an elevated running track and rooftop pitch to introduce recreational activity above the stadium complex. A new 500-seat theatre and expanded community amenities is also expected, including a 25 x 25 meter pool with modernized facilities.
a sweeping new masterplan for Portugal’s Estádio da Luz unveiled
Upgrading benfica’s Estádio da Luz with sport and culture
Beyond its surroundings, the stadium itself will undergo significant architectural upgrades, including a fourth level that will be added to the structure, offering 6,800 square meters of space for commercial, administrative, and hospitality uses. This added layer is part of a broader strategy to activate the venue outside of matchday schedules and enhance its integration into the fabric of the city.
A new facade is also envisioned to introduce a kinetic envelope composed of vertical louvres and programmable LED lighting that creates a dynamic, light-filtering skin while moderating heat and solar gain. According to Michael Forward, lead designer at Populous, this new front aims to articulate a contemporary architectural language rooted in Lisbon’s evolving urban narrative, using a neutral material palette to integrate the stadium within its expanding context.
Populous’ original stadium for Benfica is set for a major transformation
Alongside considering the civic value of the development, Populous and Saraiva + Associados have also woven environmental strategies throughout, from the inclusion of photovoltaic panels and rainwater harvesting systems to green roofs and planting schemes aimed at improving ecological resilience. The masterplan’s approach to sustainability reinforces Benfica’s long-term commitment to embedding environmental and social value into its sporting infrastructure.
the redevelopment extends well beyond the stadium walls, beginning with a new fan plaza
the plaza will act as the site’s central gathering space, hosting food outlets, a DJ platform, and event space
a new mixed-use urban district is also planned
designed by Populous in collaboration with local architects Saraiva + Associados
expanding the football stadium’s civic role
upgrading Benfica’s Estádio da Luz with sport and culture
the design team has wove environmental strategies throughout
extended and enhanced sport facilities
the redevelopment is envisioned to become a cultural hub
event spaces
project info:
name: Estádio da Luz Redevelopment
architect: Populous | @wearepopulous, Saraiva + Associados | @saraivaeassociados
location: Lisbon, Portugal
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