From Darmstadt to Manhattan: A Stadium Campus Gains Global Attention

With the transformation of Merck Stadium and the renovation of the adjacent Böllenfalltorhalle, SV Darmstadt 98 has not only improved conditions on and off the field it has also garnered international recognition. This fall, both the stadium and the listed sports hall were featured in Built by New York, an exhibition at the Center for Architecture in Manhattan. In addition, Architectural Record published an in-depth article on the entire campus.

At the heart of the project is an ensemble that bridges history, function, and atmosphere. The decision to remain at the club’s long-standing site and to pursue a careful, context-sensitive evolution has proven to be a meaningful one. The new west stand, the transparent club building housing training and administrative functions, and the sensitively restored Böllenfalltorhalle together form a cohesive architectural statement.

As project lead Gunter Weyrich noted in a recent interview, the goal was to preserve what he calls “the soul of the old stadium” through restrained forms, durable materials, and a strong relationship to place. That this vision has resonated beyond Darmstadt is something we’re especially proud of.