The revolutionary basketball stadium, located near Newport–Inglewood, the Intuit Dome, features striking arena architecture that enhances the modern design principles and sustainable design. Setting a new global standard for sports and entertainment venues, this project crafts a new home court for the Los Angeles Clippers. The basketball net-inspired diagrid roof, cutting-edge materials, and all-electric infrastructure unveil the experience for the community and basketball fans.
Revolution in Sports Architecture
Inspired by the basketball net’s interwoven pattern in motion, the form defines the dynamic gridshell parametric diagrid roof, a flowing steel lattice that is iconic and structurally efficient. The internationally renowned firm, AECOM, with Walter P Moore, sculpted the unique project that allows unobstructed views and a dramatic architectural built form that is recognizable from the air. It is an iconic structure for 21century, exemplifying high performance and a community-integrated sports venue.
Material and Envelope Design
The architectural form evolved with a functional lattice that eliminated vertical supports and maximized spatial flexibility and daylight. The skin of the dome was clad in a combination of ETFE and PTFE membranes, offering a lightweight and protective cover that reveals glimpses of the bowl and public realm inside.
This thoughtful design of the skin mitigates solar gain without resorting to highly reflective glass or excessive mechanical conditioning, aligning form with performance. The sitting bowl emerged as a compact design, bringing the furthest spectator within 45 feet of the court. The spatial clarity of the project is the wall, dedicated to an open-air fan lobby comprising 4,500 supporters across 51 uninterrupted rows, transforming into an experiential journey.
Sustainable Systems
The structural narrative incorporated a unique toggle-brace connection system that seismically isolates the gridshell from the primary concrete superstructure. This approach allows the diagrid shell to move independently during seismic events, reducing structural load without compromising the architectural form and function.
Evaluated using Environmental Product Declarations, every concrete component tracks and lowers the project’s carbon emissions. Achieving LEED platinum certification, the porous and lightweight cladding for the arena’s skin offered thermal performance, light diffusion, and recyclability. Further, inside under the seats, HVAC distribution systems and radiant floor cooling align comfort with energy efficiency, overall contributing to the project’s sustainability goals.
The First All-Electric Arena
Powered entirely by a 2 MW rooftop solar array paired with an 11 MW battery energy storage system, the Intuit Dome has become the first electric arena in the NBA, allowing it to operate independently of the grid during peak events, effectively future-proofing it against energy volatility.
Built on the ethos of sustainability and climate passive strategies, the commitment goes further to a green future featuring cooling towers designed to use 100% reclaimed water, reducing water consumption, and extensive public spaces, parks, and community basketball courts, making it a hub for the entire Inglewood community.
A Community Cornerstone
Surrounded by the public plaza, the arena features community engagement and landscaped gathering spaces that include an 86,000 sq ft training facility, 71,000 sq ft office and administration space, and Medical, retail, and fan engagement zones.
Providing thousands of jobs, Intuit Dome is a striking mixed-use development project that enhances the vision for community programs and financial literacy initiatives. The responsive architectural identity of the Intuit Dome focuses on people, place, and performance.
Intuit Dome Project Details
Architect: AECOM
Structural Engineer: Walter P Moore
Location: Inglewood, California
Owner: Los Angeles Clippers
Status: Completed 2024
Capacity: 18,000 seats
