Our design for the new LA Clippers arena redefines the traditional boundaries of arena architecture, offering a multidimensional experience harmonized with the unique characteristics of its site, climate and program.
At the heart of the design is a striking structural gridshell that envelops the entire facility. This gridshell, with its innovative “loose fit” to the conditioned interior program, creates a network of informal spaces that redefine how people engage with the venue. The gridshell carries a system of lightweight panels that modulate wind, sun, and rain. Panels clad in ETFE, PTFE and laminated PTFE provide protection from rain for the informal spaces while also allowing for fresh air flow and solar glare control. The orientation of the panels has been digitally optimized for their performance and form a dynamic, nature-inspired pattern that evokes growth and movement.
Each primary level of the interior program has access to informal outdoor terraces and gardens, enhancing the guest experience and fostering a connection to the natural environment. These spaces offer a respite for fans, a retreat for athletes and coaches, and a better work environment for office staff. The spaces allow for work to be done in daylight and fresh air, and their arrangement encourages chance meetings among different departments. The informal spaces are programmed with landscape and furniture that make them attractive for all users of the facility.
The gridshell design transforms the arena’s outward identity. Since the primary interior spaces are separately enclosed and acoustically insulated, the informal exterior spaces can be open to reveal the activity within. Open cladding materials catch illumination from color-changing LED luminaires, giving the active arena a glowing, dynamic presence when viewed from afar.
Intuit Dome is poised to become the first carbon-neutral arena, setting a new standard for sustainability in sports + entertainment design.
Intuit Dome: Setting a New Standard for Sustainability
Intuit Dome is the world’s first professional sports venue to achieve LEED BD+C v4/4.1 Platinum certification, redefining sustainability in sports architecture. From inception, the project embraced performance-based design, optimizing its structure to harmonize with the local environment. Its innovative indoor-outdoor approach creates inviting, passively ventilated spaces shielded from the elements.
Designed to be net zero carbon, Intuit Dome prioritizes energy efficiency and renewable energy. Nearly 5,500 solar panels (2.4MW system) were designed to generate over 40% of the building’s estimated annual energy use. In addition, the project saved more than 10% of embodied carbon emissions through low-carbon concrete and high-recycled-content steel.
Innovation in water efficiency resulted in a design that shows a 95%+ reduction in potable water for non-potable uses compared to a similar venue due to designing for reclaimed water use for irrigation, cooling towers, restroom flushing, and leveraging ultra-low-flow fixtures.
Innovation extends to resilience and community impact with a microgrid, including 11.5MWh of batteries to support blackout resilience and reduces peak demand, while a 6,000 sq. ft. “zero waste” room streamlines waste management.
Intuit Dome sets a bold precedent for sustainable design, showcasing the future of eco-conscious sports venues.
Category:Green ArchitectureYear:2025Location: Inglewood, California, USAArchitects:AECOMLandscape Architects:Hood Design StudioGeneral Contractor:AECOM Hunt/Turner Joint VentureDesign Team:Bill Hanway, Ross Wimer, Frank Anderson, Steve Duethman, Susan Fulton, Hal Johnson, Pat Clancy, Nancy Jones, and Mike GruhClient:Intuit DomePhotographers:Tim Griffith
