Melbourne Rectangular Stadium (MRS) will provide the missing link in Melbourne’s sporting precinct, and position Melbourne favourably in a highly competitive sports and events market. This new stadium will be a world-class event and sports administration complex; featuring a sports campus, elite training centre, and sports administration arena.

The innovative bio-frame roof provides a highly efficient structure that is also functional and visually exciting. The MRS roof is a three dimensional structure, with interdependent shells sharing load through a combination of arching, cantilever and shell actions. Internal space is more efficiently used, and fans get to enjoy excellent, unobstructed sightlines. The roof geometry was also driven by the requirement to maximise natural light and ventilation, both for spectator comfort and health of the playing surface.

The design team worked within a virtual 3D environment, from concept stage through to construction. A parametric model was used to define the roof structure because of its ability to test alternative geometric configurations and to accommodate the final preset values for fabrication and construction purposes.

Data exported from the parametric model was linked to analysis software and in-house optimisation routines to assess a large number of separate geometric configurations against structural and architectural criteria. By optimising the structural size required for each of the more than 4000 roof members, the roof was made efficient and lightweight.

The final preset model, making allowance for the calculated roof deflection, was passed on to the contractor and used for preparation of shop drawings and fabrication.