The Louis Armstrong Stadium, which was opened in 2018 as one of the facilities for the United States Tennis Association (USTA) in Flushing Meadows, New York, has been awarded for its innovative structural engineering.
The Rosetti designed, 14,069-seater stadium, which features a number of creative design solutions, was given the Prix Versailles award with a Special Prize in Interior for the sports category.
It recognizes buildings on design, sustainability and commercial function, with the Louis Armstrong winning as a result of innovative design that encourages air flow through the stadium while keeping rain off the court, allowing play to continue during the rain while naturally conditioning the space for spectators and players.
The design also features a striking façade on the North and South sides of the stadium using overlapping terra cotta louvers, optimally positioned to reduce rain yet porous to maintain natural ventilation. The louvers allow air flow through the upper part of the building on the north and south elevations while shading spectators. The terra cotta material relates to the traditional brick buildings on the site while using the material in a new way.
In total, nine winners across several categories were announced at the awards, with a world judges panel led by Francesco Bandarin, the former assistant director-general for culture at UNESCO.
