CHYBIK + KRISTOF's Jihlava Arena blends Gothic motifs with modern functionality
A red aluminum-clad sports venue becomes a new urban landmark in Czechia
1Historic context meets modern design
The 5,650-seat Jihlava Municipal Arena replaces a 1950s ice rink while maintaining hockey's local presence. Architects drew inspiration from Gothic architecture and the regional hedgehog symbol, translating these into the building's jagged triangular crown and red aluminum facade. The elliptical volume sits unusually close to Jihlava's historic center, bridging university and residential zones with a park nearby. Lighting embedded in the facade dynamically responds to events, flashing when the local HC Dukla Jihlava team scores.
2Urban integration strategy
The arena's ground level features large entrances and glazing to maintain visual connections with its surroundings. A continuous concourse circles the seating bowl, functioning as an indoor public square that provides gathering space and wheelchair-accessible sightlines. The building preserves existing pedestrian routes, with an overhanging roof section creating a covered passage between the university and park. A new staircase addresses the six-meter elevation change while doubling as stepped seating, demonstrating multifunctional design.
3Public infrastructure expansion
Beyond sports events, the arena incorporates a 230-meter rooftop running track accessible via booking system, adding public value even when the main floor is unused. This transforms the building into continuous urban infrastructure rather than an occasional event space. The design maintains visual porosity through perforated aluminum skin that admits daylight and air, unusual for a venue of this scale. Retractable seating allows capacity to expand from 5,650 to 7,400 for special events.
4Material and structural honesty
Interiors feature prefabricated concrete stands pigmented to match the exterior's deep red, with exposed steel roof trusses overhead. The architects collaborated with Kovostal's David Karásek to develop custom 'Highlands' folding seats featuring geometric patterns that absorb sound. For concerts, a curtain can close off the upper tier to create a smaller acoustic volume. The two-tier hockey seating arrangement is atypical for arenas of this size.
5Design language consistency
Triangular motifs appear throughout the building, from BOMMA's hand-cast glass fixtures in concrete walls to Lukáš Kijonka's wayfinding system and custom typeface derived from facade geometry. This creates visual continuity without overwhelming branding. The restrained repetition ties interiors back to the distinctive red exterior shell. The design team extended this angular vocabulary to every scale, from macro form to micro details.
6Multipurpose functionality
The arena's flexible design accommodates diverse events: hockey games use fixed seating while concerts utilize floor space with retractable seating. The building's acoustic performance benefits from specialized folding seats with sound-absorbing undersides. This adaptability maximizes usage beyond sports, making the municipal investment more sustainable. The venue serves as both sports facility and cultural hub for Jihlava's community.
7Contextual sensitivity
Rather than imposing a generic arena form, CHYBIK + KRISTOF rooted the design in local identity. The building's massing responds to its urban edge condition between academic and residential zones. Materials reference regional industrial heritage while meeting contemporary performance requirements. This approach maintains neighborhood character while introducing a bold new landmark that belongs to its context rather than dominating it.
8New standard for civic architecture
The Jihlava Arena demonstrates how sports facilities can enhance urban fabric rather than creating isolated complexes. Its integration of public circulation routes, multi-use spaces, and community amenities sets a precedent for civic architecture. The project shows how architectural identity can emerge from local history while serving modern functional needs, creating buildings that are both distinctive and deeply connected to their place.