Ferdinand E. Marcos Stadium

Stadiums in the Philippines tend to be underutilized vanity projects that only benefit a few. Why do we need to join appointed tours or buy tickets just to see a public stadium? In building this stadium, Manila-based firm WTA Architecture and Design Studio wanted to redefine what a public stadium can be. A different stadium that is available to all.
The Ferdinand E. Marcos Stadium is located at the heart of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. In a country of over 100 million people, this is only the third stadium with 12,000 seats. The Philippines is also limited to only 5 sqm of open urban space per person, where the national capital only has 0.89 sqm of park space per person. Here, the new stadium aims to transform the previous site into a dynamic stadium park that will feature spaces for everyone. The design does not only promote the talents and skills of the Ilocanos but stands as a historical place showcasing achievement and success: A stadium of the people, for the people, by the people.
A Stadium Park
The FEM Stadium is characterized by an open plan, where an amphitheatre and sloping lawn lead towards Rizal Park. By opening the southern face of the stadium, WTA created a sports and events venue that also serves as an extension of the park and a daily destination for students and residents. This expression of social architecture allows the firm to create a barrier-free stadium that is accessible to everyone.
The open stadium allows for free and unfettered access and critically expands the existing public open space inside the city by 200%. The facilities are communal spaces, and the open end and large peripheral openings allow natural breezes to flow through and cool the spectators, providing much-needed shade for gatherings and activities under the tropical sun.
A Familiar Face
Built by local builders, architects, and engineers for USD$ 20,000, it was done without foreign loans or increased taxes. Every piece of the structure is produced and assembled locally; each seat, every rail, every column, and beam were manufactured on-site. The stadium is clad in affordable, locally produced PVC roofing sheets that reflect the most common corrugated roofing materials used in local houses. It is a monument that expresses the characteristic frugality and modesty of the Ilocano and echoes their functional landmarks.
The external skin is a celebration of the Ilokano fabric that is considered an essential part of their life cycle. From birth, infants are wrapped in Abel; in adulthood, they use it in weddings; in death, they use it to wrap the departed. The process of making this fabric is passed down through generations and preserves the llokanos’ character and identity. The pattern creates a human scale that can be easily recognized by its uniform interlocking geometric patterns that result in a traditional optical illusion representing the waves of the sea and protecting against malevolent spirits.
The People’s Stadium
Architecture should not discriminate. Most especially against the poor who need our public space the most. Social spaces should never scrutinize or bar you because you need better clothes or shoes or even identification. One must not need a ticket to enter a space built with the people's money. This is both a stadium and a park. It is a space that does not discriminate. After all, sports are the great equalizer and the healthy richer than the wealthy. This is a piece of social infrastructure that helps bond the community.
The FEM Stadium now serves as the lynchpin for Ilocos Norte’s sports tourism program as part of a 12-hectare sports complex featuring the INSPIRE sports training center; the Centennial Arena; an aquatics center; and the INSPIRE sports education facility and dormitory. It is a public sports facility that truly belongs to the people. It is a symbol of a future that is open and accessible to every Ilokano.