Insular Athletics Stadium

Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Leisure · Subcategory: Sports · Year: 2007 · Authors: Felipe Artengo Rufino, Fernando Martín Menis, José María Rodríguez-Pastrana

The Tenerife Insular Athletics Centre (CIAT) is a sports facility located in the Tíncer neighbourhood, in the southwest area of the capital. It was designed in 2003 by the team of architects formed by Felipe Artengo, Fernando Martín Menis and José María Rodríguez-Pastrana.

Inspired by the geology of the Canary Islands, a large crater was excavated to house the stadium. Powerful concrete structures lead us under the roof of the venue, while explaining how the stadium is formed. The crater does not have the same height all around its perimeter, as it is higher at the entrance side, where the stands are located, beneath which are the training tracks and other services. Strong cantilevered beams protect the stands and above them extends a wide platform with splendid views over the sea and the coastline.

The perimeter of the crater is formed by the brilliant idea of creating a slope made with the stone extracted from the construction itself, which protects the track from the strong trade winds that prevail in the area. The stadium reminds us of that relationship between human spectacle and nature, so well represented in classical public venues (theatres, amphitheatres and stadiums).

The sports complex was inaugurated on 21 April 2007.

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