November 19 2021

Holmes Miller Architects, ADP Architecture and Northern Light Arena Europe (NLAE) have showcased the latest concept art for the Dundee Esports Arena.

The 4,000 capacity multi-purpose e-sports arena is earmarked for the waterfront regeneration as a global hub for competitive gamers and entertainers. Billed as Europe's first digitally-enabled arena the concept design will employ giant screens to relay all the action to audiences, all powered by solar energy.

Holmes Miller project director Ian Cooney said: "Holmes Miller have extensive experience in the Arena and Stadia sector with over 30 years’ experience in design and delivery in the UK and internationally. We currently have projects in New Jersey, USA with MOTUS, and closer to home in Glasgow at the Scottish Event Campus, both of which feature diverse programs with parallels to the Dundee Arena Concept."

ADP Architecture associate Umesh Luharia added: “We envisage this to be a landmark building. It will bring new degree courses, jobs and benefits to the community whilst committing to deliver a low-energy carbon building for the city.

“The initial concept for the building is to physically reflect the integrated technology of the digital arena and its function into the architecture.”

Scheduled to be delivered in 2024 the venue would be suitable for sports, music and conferences. 

8 Comments

#1 Posted by MV on 19 Nov 2021 at 13:38 PM

“The initial concept for the building is to physically reflect the integrated technology of the digital arena and its function into the architecture.”
Does this mean that you've made it look like a microchip?
So, ADP have designed a building that looks like a microchip and HM have extensive experience in stadia (great contribution). It genuinely looks like something from the 80's.

#2 Posted by Finlay McCallum on 19 Nov 2021 at 20:04 PM

they could have tried a little harder

#3 Posted by pooka on 22 Nov 2021 at 12:37 PM

city as circuit...bored
because people and electrons engage with the built environment in the same way obvs

#4 Posted by Hash on 22 Nov 2021 at 19:15 PM

I’m less concerned about the design and more concerned about the fact this will be dead most of the time, and won’t be providing any active or engaging frontage, something which Slessor gardens and the waterfront desperately needs more of

#5 Posted by Cadmonkey on 23 Nov 2021 at 08:04 AM

Where will I park my jag?

#6 Posted by Jonathan on 23 Nov 2021 at 13:23 PM

I do have to disagree with all the negative comments. I like the building design and the spaces that it creates outwith the building itself. But more importantly is creating something where Dundee can be at the forefront and bringing people into the city. The waterfront area is really stunning and this will only help enhance it.

What will be really interesting is how the designers will integrate the high energy intensive 'e-sports arena' with a sustainable agenda.

I'm sure the Architects will be glad they only have the planning department to please and not the 'anonymous' comment posters.

#7 Posted by Bob Servant on 23 Nov 2021 at 17:21 PM

Is thon microchip the actual design though, ken?

See, eh dinna think it will be, come the day.

#8 Posted by Terra on 24 Apr 2022 at 09:46 AM

I like it.

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