The next stop on our 'Residence' road trip, takes us to the Olympiastadion in Munich. A venue that has played host to the highest levels of the elite scene, this unique structure has experienced everything from World Cup finals to European Championships.
The Olympiastadion was the centre piece of the 1972 Olympics Games that were held in Munich. Originally, with a capacity of 80,000 it has evolved over time though its design remains ever-inspiring and time has yet to catch up with the architectural vision. Going on to host the 1974 FIFA World Cup Final and the UEFA Euro 1988 Final, it was also the venue of the European Cup Final in 1979, 1993 and 1997. Not just one for the international stage, club football has thrived here with Bayern Munich and TSV 1860 Munich calling it home until the build of the Allianz Arena for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
The stadium was imagined and designed by the world renowned German architect Günther Behnisch and engineer Frei Otto. The vision was to imitate the Alps and build a positive message around open minded democracy as the 1972 Olympic Games were dubbed "The Cheerful Games" ahead of the opening ceremony. Visually deceptive, the capacity of the stadium is hard to imagine and it's a groundhoppers dream that plays tricks on the eyes. There's no tiers in this stadium. The bowl, which half open to the elements, has an enormously open though welcoming feel and while a running track circles the pitch, you don't feel distant from proceedings. Although Bayern have moved to the majestic Allianz Arena, this stadium will leaving you thirsty to see football in such a bespoke setting.
Having experienced joys and spoils, it was famously the location where England beat Germany 1-5 in the build up to the 2002 World Cup - which was also the last outing for the German National Team at the stadium. From football to music to the largest geo-caching event in-between, the multi-purpose use of the stadium is unquestionable and the green seats reflect the natural setting the stadium sits in. The wider Olympic Park, to which the Olympiastadion sits at the centre, is an evergreen lay of the land. Every element has been considered in this space.
A place well worthy of the topflight today, let's hope football returns to this prized stadium. It's a visual masterpiece that defies the modern trend of football stadium design and while each serve their purpose, this re-sets the thinking when it comes to breaking the mould.
