Las Vegas touts the Sphere, but the OG spherical performance venue is Avicii Arena. The bulbous venue in Stockholm previously held the title worlds largest spherical building, until it was dethroned by the Las Vegas spectacle. Avicii Arena is named after the EDM icon who warrants no introduction for anyone who slurped Four Loko in college and went to Dayglow. Formerly Stockholm Globe Arena, Avicii Arena was built in 1989 but renamed after the famous Swedish DJs death in 2018. The building was recently refurbished by HOKs London office. C.F. Mller Architects, schlaich bergermann partner (sbp), and the city of Stockholm were also on the project team.This project celebrates the past while embracing the future, Kirsty Mitchell, senior project manager at HOK, said in a statement. Our design solutions honor the arenas iconic architecture while introducing innovative and forward-thinking features that ensure its relevance for decades to come.The venue hosts sports and concerts. (Courtesy HOK)Avicii Arenas proportions are mind boggling enough to make tienne-Louis Boulle blush. The dome has an inner height of 279 feet, and a diameter of 360 feet. The exterior has Metabolist sensibilities, namely its porthole windows that evoke the Nakagin Capsule Tower. It was originally designed by Svante Berg, Lars Vretblad, and Esbjrn Adamson. The renovation at Avicii Arena entailed upgrading the structure for modern sports, concerts, and cultural needs while preserving the buildings architectural integrity, the designers shared. New retractable systems with movable panels offer unmatched acoustic optimization, and new gondola seating provides unique views of the stage set. Lounges afford exclusive hospitality areas.The new retractable acoustic panel system required innovative and thoughtful structural engineering by sbp. Both the panel system and rigging grid are suspended within the inner curved ring structure and the outer perimeter compression ring, the team shared. A slender cable net structure supports the retractable panels and rigging elements with mesh you can walk on that provides a workable platform during events.A slender cable net structure supports the retractable panels and rigging elements. (Courtesy HOK)Updating a structure as unique as the Avicii Arena requires a careful balance of preservation and innovation, added Knut Stockhusen, managing director at sbp. This project showcases how engineering excellence contributes to architectural heritage and modern performance.Mrten Leringe, partner and architect at C.F. Mller Architects, called the project a blend between technical innovation with intelligent design.The reopening was christened on February 1 with a live performance by Kite, a Swedish cult band.