Page 6 - Landscape-Issue153

FEATURE

BIODIVERSITY STAND AT THE

STADIUM OF LIFE, LESOTHO

In Landscape sA Issue 148 (April 2025), we featured an article on an eco-friendly
football stadium in Lesotho. Named the Stadium of Life, it was built using sustainably

sourced timber and set new standards for sustainable construction and environmental
responsibility. This article looks at the recently completed biodiversity stand, a feature
that will showcase indigenous flora from Lesotho’s three eco-regions.

The biodiversity stand represents a fusion of sustainable design, community engagement and ecological awareness. Its purpose is to showcase Lesotho’s rich natural
heritage while promoting environmental stewardship. The stand integrates natural materials and native plant species.

s part of the construction of the The stand is a vibrant green corner of the Noteworthy points
Stadium of Life, the biodiversity stand stadium, enhancing both its function and • Specialist agronomists were brought
Arepresents a fusion of sustainable its message. in to advise on indigenous plants to be
design, community engage ment and used;
ecological awareness. Con ceived as a Design • ten planters have been named for each
dedicated space within the 1,280-seater Matteo Arietti, Head of Innovation at district in Lesotho and contain flora from
timber stadium, the stand serves to showcase Park Associati, explains: “By listening and that district, creating a microcosm of the
Lesotho’s rich natural heritage while learning from the local context, we have country’s vegetation;
promoting environmental stewardship. designed a structure that both reflects and • a small amphitheatre called the Theatre
The biodiversity stand was designed pro respects its environment. This is more than of Life will be used for a wide range
bono by Park Associati, an international just a stand – it’s a platform for connection, of activities such as the delivery of
architectural and design studio based in learning and change and our contribution education programmes and cultural
Milan, Italy, in collaboration with the rise is rooted in the belief that architecture can performances; and
International team in Lesotho. The team be a powerful catalyst for social impact. • the Stadium of Life will host activities
also included a visiting fellow from the Inspired by the Hadeda Ibis, the stand such as climate education and gender
UIC Barcelona International University takes shape as a symbol of openness and empowerment, and act as a platform for
of Catalonia, Spain. It was built by local belonging, and was built using local wood connection, learning and change.
artisans and fellows from rise International’s and earth, connecting with the surrounding
in loco programme. The stand integrates landscape. The design integrates seating Partners in the project
natural materials and native plant species to and greenery to create a welcoming, • Kick4Life, a non-profit charity and
create an educational and interactive space inclusive space for spectators and the wider football club that uses sport as a tool for
for visitors. It highlights the importance community.” social change;
of biodiversity conservation in the face of Steve Fleming, co-founder of Kick4Life, • rise International, a non-profit social
climate change, with informative displays, says that the stand is a place where players, enterprise focusing on economic
seating made from eco-friendly materials, fans, spectators and guests can appreciate development through job creation, skills
and landscaping that reflects Lesotho’s and enjoy nature, with opportunities to advancement and entrepreneurship in
unique ecosystems. promote the importance of biodiversity. the built environment;
The stand is not just a viewing platform; “We are interested in the relationship • Forest Stewardship Council, a non-profit
rather it is a symbol of two non-profit between sport and nature, and how the organisation that provides responsible
social enterprises - rise International sports industry can play a role in promoting forest management solutions;
and Kick4Life’s shared commitment to harmony between people and the planet. • DNV Business Assurance, an international
building sustainably, and inspiring future We hope that the biodiversity stand will certification, risk management and
generations to care for their environment. contribute to this.” training organisation. n

4 Landscape SA • Issue 153 2025 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za