Tokyo, 19 March 2013 - Tokyo 2020, following its highly successful hosting of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Evaluation Commission in Tokyo earlier this month, today welcomed Zaha Hadid of Zaha Hadid Architects, winner of the contest to update and remodel Tokyo's Kasumigaoka National Stadium. Zaha Hadid, who received an award at a ceremony hosted by the Japan Sport Council (JSC), was selected for a design concept that combines a strong sense of history with a pioneering vision for the Olympic Movement, crystallising Tokyo 2020's promise to deliver an innovative Games in 2020.
Zaha Hadid said: "We had a very successful Games in London, and I'm sure Tokyo will also be able to host a fantastic Games with its great sports facilities. It’s really a great honour and pleasure for me to be here and accept this award."
The contest was overseen by world famous architect and Tokyo 2020 Council member Tadao Ando. He said: "The dynamic and futuristic design moved the jury, and I am confident the new stadium will serve as the symbol for our burning desire to host the Tokyo 2020 Games."
The new National Stadium will be built on the site of the main Olympic Stadium for the Tokyo 1964 Games, located in the heart of Tokyo 2020's proposed Heritage Zone. The stadium, which will break new ground as the first main Olympic Stadium to feature a retractable roof, will establish a new sport legacy as a permanent home for world-class sport events. The 80,000-capacity venue will be served by no less than six rail lines within walking distance.
Tsunekazu Takeda, IOC member and President of both the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) and Tokyo 2020, said: "The new National Stadium will be a truly iconic structure that showcases sustainable leading-edge technologies and architectural designs. It is wonderful to welcome the world-renowned Zaha Hadid in Tokyo, whom we deeply thank for her remarkable design. It is our dream to see the Olympic Flame return to Tokyo and burn brightly atop our reborn National Stadium."
The Japan Sport Council (JSC), owner of the Kasumigaoka National Stadium, held a design competition in 2012 to solicit plans for an updated and remodelled stadium in time for the IRB 2019 Rugby World Cup. Under the Tokyo 2020 Games plan, the new stadium will host the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Athletics, Football and Rugby.
London-based Zaha Hadid Architects has designed 950 projects in 44 nations. The company is led by Zaha Hadid, one of the world's most renowned architects and the first woman awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize, which she received in 2004 for the Bridge Pavilion in Zaragoza, Spain. She also designed the widely praised London 2012 Games Aquatics Centre, which is noted for its unique undulating roof inspired by water in motion.
For more information contact: pressoffice@tokyo2020.jp
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