Populous-Designed Gillette Stadium Awarded Prix Versailles

Populous’ design process for Gillette Stadium drew heavily from the landscape, using canonically New England environments, structures and culture for inspiration.

The stadium is anchored by a steel and concrete lighthouse that reaches 218 feet high and features a 360-degree observation deck at the top, serving as beacon for fans and players alike.

But the new fan experience now begins far from Gillette Stadium — whether arriving by car or train, the lighthouse begins to grow on the horizon as visitors approach, signaling a common destination that heightens anticipation.

When guests first step off the train or out of the parking lot, they are met by a revitalized, six-acre Enel Plaza, accented with landscaping reminiscent of the organic lines and rock formations that define New England’s coast. The walkway through the plaza was inspired by the meandering flow of native New England salt marshes and ushers fans either to the foot of the lighthouse or under the bridge into the stadium. On game days, the space can transform to accommodate different popups or events, encouraging congregation outside the stadium and bolstering pregame excitement.

Looking up at the stadium from Enel Plaza, fans will find a new connective space that completes a 360-degree path around the upper stadium levels for the first time. This space houses the Globalization Partners Atrium (G-P Atrium), a unique to Gillette Stadium experience that is redefining the gameday club experience.

The 36,000-square-foot Atrium features two digital video boards, decorative lighting installations, wood planked ceilings, quartzite stone and accents of the Patriots’ signature silver gray color scheme throughout.

Populous will be competing for three 2024 World Titles – Prix Versailles, Interior and Exterior – whose laureates will be announced at UNESCO Headquarters on December 2, 2024.

Jérôme Gouadain, Secretary General of the Prix Versailles, said:

Whether serving the local community or hosting major international events, sports facilities contribute to regional and national identities. They capture the attention of their audiences, who feel close to them, whether they are near or far. As a result, celebrating the World’s Most Beautiful Sports Venues means encouraging their social, cultural and ecological responsibility.