The building is as smart as it is beautiful. Its interior features a gigantic moveable seating section that can expand or contract depending on the size of the event. The seating bowl converts from an intimate concert hall to a full-fledged stadium in less than one-half hour.

The design team was led by Nikken Sekkei in association with Ellerbe Becket and Flack+Kurtz Consulting Engineers.

Its permanent attractions include the John Lennon Museum. It’s also a favorite venue for puroresu (Japanese style of professional wrestling) and mixed martial arts. The transformable venue also has hosted NHL ice hockey and Olympic warm-up basketball games prior to the Sydney Games.

Saitama won the prestigious Business Week/Architectural Record Award for achieving measurable business and organizational goals through the use of design.

An innovator since its founding in 1909, Ellerbe Becket is a leader in architecture, interiors, engineering and the construction industry with office locations worldwide.

Contact: news@ellerbebecket.com