A glazed atrium will be used to expose the sloped roof of a multi-purpose arena in Seattle, as part of architectural firm Populous' plans to update the 1960s structure.

Populous is teaming with stadium design and development specialists Oak View Group (OVG) on the $600-million (£432 million) transformation of the venue, which is located in the Seattle Center entertainment complex and known as the Keyarena.

The proposal aims to subtly adapt the structure that modernist American architect Paul Thiry designed as the Washington State Pavilion for the 1962 World's Fair ? comprising a curved roof that rests on chunky, triangular feet, and awarded landmark status last year.

A glazed volume will be built along one side to offer views of the roof structure on approach. Inside, it will create space for the main circulation, including a series of escalators.
The rest of the interior will be reconfigured to provide more space to host larger crowds for sports games, ice shows, circuses and music concerts. The stadium currently hosts 17,072 for basketball and 15,177 for ice hockey games and ice shows, with similar numbers for performances and boxing matches.

"The extensive renovation aims to reposition the venue as the premier sports and entertainment destination in the northwest," said Populous in a statement.
"The design creates a stronger connection between the arena and the surrounding Seattle community through its extensive use of glass and features a comp...