Environmental World First for Stade de la Meinau as Upcycled Aircraft Fuselages Are Installed Onto Stadium Facade

As part of the renovation of the stadium, the new 11,712 capacity South Stand design – created by Populous and local architect Rey-de-Crécy – involves cutting fuselage sections from 30 decommissioned Airbus A340 aircraft. These are then transformed to become 196 panels that create a unique sun shading system or ‘brise soleil’ that covers a total surface of 4050 m² across the whole south-facing façade of the stadium.

The white sections of upcycled fuselages create an elegant and shimmering facade emerging from the adjacent park to become the embodiment of the green environment which surrounds the La Meinau Stadium.

Installation of the fuselage sections continues on the stand, which was inaugurated in September and is in use for RC Strasbourg matches, as renovation work also takes place on the rest of the stadium.

Francois Clement, President of Populous France, comments: “This project elevates the concept of sustainable stadium design and informs wider conversation on ways that upcycling and material reuse can enhance the sustainability of large-scale projects. The idea for the façade sunshade was originally conceived during the Covid-19 pandemic, when planes were almost entirely grounded and airlines resized their fleet and flight operations. Our design concept sought to make use of decommissioned aircraft, using upcycled architecture to deliver the innovative concept at the heart of an environmentally sustainable design for the revamped stadium.”

Pia Imbs, president of the Eurométropole of Strasbourg, comments: “We wanted the renovation of the Stade de la Meinau to be an exemplary project – both ecologically and socially. Faced with the challenges of climate change, we must develop a circular economy that respects the resources at our disposal and each public project is an opportunity to support and encourage innovation in that area. The reuse of the fuselages was decisive in our choice of project, it is a world first of which we are proud, it is the signature of the new face of the Stadium”

The Stade de la Meinau renovation project aims to preserve its unique atmosphere while enhancing capacity, functionality, and sustainability. Expected to be completed in August 2026, it will modernise the existing structure and facilities and increase capacity at the ground from 26,000 to 32,000 seats.

Along with its innovative fuselage façade, the new South Stand involves a significant expansion, including new fan spaces and operational facilities around a glass-fronted five-storey atrium with new bars, hospitality lounges and two “party decks” — open spaces overlooking the pitch for fans to congregate.

Work continues with the redevelopment of the North, East and West stands, and the creation of a fan zone – a first in a French stadium – which will be open to the community during the week.

The overall stadium renovation project is led by the Eurométropole of Strasbourg and its partners – la Ville de Strasbourg, la Région Grand Est, la Collectivité Européenne d’Alsace and Racing Club Strasbourg Alsace, who have appointed Populous as the lead architect, alongside local architect Rey de Crecy.