parts from 30 retired aircraft shape Populous’ stadium facade
Populous introduces a striking environmental innovation to Strasbourg’s Stade de la Meinau, repurposing sections of decommissioned Airbus A340 fuselages to form the facade of the stadium’s new south stand. The project marks a world first in sustainable architecture, transforming aviation waste into a sun-shading system that glimmers across the 4,050-square-meter surface of the stand.
Located in the city’s La Meinau district, the 11,712-seat South Stand, designed by Populous in collaboration with local architect Rey-de-Crécy, incorporates fuselage panels sourced from 30 retired aircraft. These are cut and adapted into 196 aluminum segments, arranged as a continuous brise-soleil to temper sunlight and lend the structure a shimmering skin. In use since September 2025, the stand is already hosting Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace matches while the rest of the stadium continues its phased transformation. ‘The idea for the facade sunshade was originally conceived during the Covid-19 pandemic, when planes were almost entirely grounded and airlines resized their fleet and flight operations,’ says François Clément, President of Populous France. ‘Our design concept sought to make use of decommissioned aircraft, using upcycled architecture to deliver the innovative concept at the heart of an environmentally sustainable design for the revamped stadium.’
all images courtesy of credit Rey de Crecy and Populous, unless stated otherwise
stade de la meinau in strasbourg embraces circular design
The project aligns with Strasbourg’s broader goals for climate-conscious urban development. ‘Faced with the challenges of climate change, we must develop a circular economy that respects the resources at our disposal,’ notes Pia Imbs, President of the Eurométropole of Strasbourg. ‘The reuse of the fuselages was decisive in our choice of project—it is a world first of which we are proud; it is the signature of the new face of the stadium.’
Expected for completion in August 2026, the full renovation will expand Stade de la Meinau’s capacity from 26,000 to 32,000 seats. For the south stand, the French team of Populous introduces a glass-fronted five-story atrium with bars, lounges, and two open ‘party decks’ overlooking the pitch. Future phases will redevelop the north, east, and west stands and introduce a public fan zone, another first for a French stadium, intended for community use throughout the week.
Populous repurposes sections of decommissioned Airbus A340 fuselages | image courtesy of Populous and Getty Images
incorporating fuselage panels sourced from 30 retired aircraft
transforming aviation waste into a sun-shading system
the stand is already hosting Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace matches
expected for completion in August 2026
the project aligns with Strasbourg’s climate-conscious urban development | image courtesy of Populous and Getty Images
future phases will redevelop the north, east, and west stands | image courtesy of Populous and Getty Images
project info:
name: Stade de la Meinau renovation
architect: Populous | @wearepopulous
location: Strasbourg, France
local architect: Rey-de-Crécy | @reydecrecy
client: Eurométropole of Strasbourg with Ville de Strasbourg, Région Grand Est, Collectivité Européenne d’Alsace, and Racing Club Strasbourg Alsace
completion: expected August 2026
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