The work and the technique: "Lia Manoliu" National Arena in Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest's Arena Națională is a modern multifunctional facility that incorporates parts of the former stadium that stood on the same site (the old stadium, built in 1953, was no longer suitable for hosting sporting events with its uncovered stands and the track around the field. It was demolished in 2008).

The design of the new stadium with its ring architecture and membrane roofing (which is inspired by the Frankfurt Commerzbank-Arena in Frankfurt am Main) was developed with BIM technology.

The main distinguishing feature is the retractable velarium, which can be opened or closed in 15 minutes, allowing sports events to be held in all weather conditions. The roof membrane is translucent, creating the atmosphere of an outdoor stadium even when closed. Once retracted, it remains inside the video cube in the centre of the stadium.

The main stand facility includes more than 108,000 m² on six floors, an underground parking lot with 200 parking spaces, conference rooms and restaurants.

In April 2011, the "big lift," or precision lifting of the roof cable structure, crowned the construction of the new plant.