The old and new designs for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic stadium
TOKYO (AP) Japan has replaced a futuristic design for its 2020 Tokyo Olympic stadium with a cheaper and more understated one.
Gone is the massive oblong dome designed by architect Zaha Hadid, dismissed by the government last July as public opposition rose to its high cost and visual impact on the surrounding neighborhood.
The government chose instead Tuesday a more conventional-looking oval design with some unusual flourishes, conceived by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.
A look at the old and new designs:
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COST
New: 153 billion yen ($1.23 billion)
Old: 252 billion yen ($2.08 billion)
- Cost of new plan includes 149 billion yen for construction and 4 billion yen for design and maintenance
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CAPACITY
New: 68,000 seats, expandable after the Olympics to 80,000
Old: 80,000 seats for the Olympics and the Rugby World Cup in 2019
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HEIGHT
New: 49.2 meters (161 feet)
Old: 70 meters (230 feet)
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AREA
New: 72,400 square meters
Old: 78,100 square meters
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CONSTRUCTION PERIOD
New: 36 months (from Dec. 2016 to Nov. 2019)
Old: 45 months (from Sept. 2015 to May 2019)
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CONCEPT
New: ''Giant tree of life'' that connects with greenery of nearby Meiji Shrine
Old: Futuristic stadium with world-class hospitality
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LOOK
New: A wood and iron roof inspired by traditional Japanese architecture, and greenery in its outer-facing walls
Old: A pair of giant arches supporting a high-tech roof, likened by some to a bicycle helmet or oyster shell
