Architecture studio Populous has released visuals of the planned Kop Stand at Wrexham AFC's STK Cae Ras stadium in Wales, as the club aims to expand under the ownership of actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.The stand, which will have a capacity of 5,500 people, was designed to restore the stadium's four-sided enclosure and become a visible landmark within the football club's home city of Wrexham.Reynolds and McElhenney purchased Wrexham AFC in 2020 and the club has been promoted twice since, while the Welcome to Wrexham series has draw global attention to it.Populous has unveiled the Kop Stand for Wrexham AFCThe planned stand's facade will be formed of red brick, arranged in a perforated lattice to allow inward and outward views, and "dissolve the boundary between the stand and the public". According to Populous, the use of brick is a nod to traditional Ruabon red brick used throughout the area, which has led the city to be nicknamed Terracottapolis."The physical design of the facade at the back of the stand takes inspiration from the local brickwork and the city's 'Terracottapolis' nickname, to link it to the generations of fans that have visited the ground in the past," said Populous global director Declan Sharkey."The angled planes and carved form of the brick facade echo the strata of coal and slate seams that represent the industrial heritage of the local area, with the feeling that they have emerged organically from the ground they stand."The stadium stand is designed to amplify soundOnce complete, the Kop Stand will incorporate a mix of hospitality and accessible seating areas. Its structure will be adaptable to ensure future expansion if required.Its brick facade will be laid with the same flemish bond that is often used around Wrexham, "creating a signature brickwork pattern for the club that is rooted in the area", Populous said.Adorning one corner of the brickwork will be two dragon motifs, referencing the club's crest.Inside, the Kop Stand's seating is being designed to amplify sound from fans towards the pitch and "reinforce the atmosphere within the STK Cae Ras". It will also incorporate a player tunnel, allowing spectators to welcome the team as they enter the pitch.Its rear facade will be finished with perforated brickwork"We have designed the new Kop Stand to be both authentic and unique in its approach to hosting Wrexham's passionate fans," said Sharkey."To do that we involved our team of audio consultants to maximise atmosphere."Read: Populous set to design stadium "inspired by classical Roman architecture" for AS RomaCompleting the project will be a public plaza, positioned by the rear brick facade, designed to be enjoyed by fans as well as the wider public outside of match days.According to Populous, it will feature a memorial to the Gresford Disaster a mining accident in 1934 in which an explosion and underground fire killed 261 workers.Two dragons will be embossed in one corner of the facade"The distinctive design of the new Kop Stand embodies the history and heritage of Wrexham rooted in the local community creating a timeless, authentic piece of civic architecture that complements other landmarks," said Wrexham AFC CEO Michael Williamson."It will provide an iconic landmark standing at the gateway to the city giving it a true sense of place."Populous is currently working on stadiums around the world, including one for Italian football club AS Roma that is "inspired by classical Roman architecture".Several are being designed to host games during the 2034 FIFA World Cup, an event that has recently come under fire for human rights violations. The designs include a 92,000-seat stadium in Riyadh and a 47,000-seat stadium in Al Khobar.The visuals are courtesy of Populous.The post Populous unveils Wrexham AFC stand that will "emerge organically from the ground" appeared first on Dezeen.