Velodrome Rawamangun

The Grandeur of Velodrome Rawamangun Architecture: Aerodynamic Hub and Modern Innovation in East Jakarta

Jakarta International Velodrome (JIV), or more familiarly known as Velodrome Rawamangun, stands tall as one of Indonesia's most prestigious sporting architecture achievements. Located in the heart of East Jakarta, this building is not merely a sports facility, but a design statement that combines high-level engineering precision with futuristic modern aesthetics.

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History and Transformation: From Open-Air to World Standards

The history of Velodrome Rawamangun began in 1973 as an outdoor cycling race facility. However, its appearance changed completely leading up to the 2018 Asian Games. The DKI Jakarta government undertook a massive revitalization that transformed the old structure into an international standard indoor cycling stadium, category 1 (highest) from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

This transformation project was carried out by the renowned British architectural firm, Cox Architecture, in collaboration with local consultants. The main focus of this reconstruction was to create the fastest cycling track in the world through the integration of premium materials and strict environmental controls.

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Design Philosophy and Facade Aesthetics

The architectural style of Velodrome Rawamangun embraces a modernist-futuristic theme with an emphasis on organic, aerodynamic shapes. When viewed from above, the silhouette of the building's roof resembles the shape of a cyclist's helmet or a vortex of wind symbolizing speed.

One of the most striking elements is the use of ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) membrane on the roof. This transparent material is similar to that used in the Allianz Arena in Munich or the Water Cube in Beijing. The use of this membrane allows natural light to enter the track area (daylighting), reducing reliance on electric lights during the day, while also giving a light and floating impression to the massive roof structure.

The building's facade is dominated by aluminum and glass panels, providing a clean and metallic look. The curved lines that dominate the exterior not only serve an aesthetic purpose but are also designed to break wind loads, reflecting the principles of aerodynamics that are at the core of cycling itself.

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Structural Innovation: Siberian Wood Track

The heart of Velodrome Rawamangun is its race track. The most prominent structural innovation is the use of Siberian Pine wood as the primary material for the track. This wood was chosen for its very high density yet flexibility, as well as its resistance to extreme temperature changes.

The 250-meter track was installed with millimeter precision by international specialist contractors. The banking or inclination of the track reaches 42 degrees on the curves and about 12 degrees on the straights. This angle allows athletes to reach maximum speeds of over 80 km/h without being thrown off the track by centrifugal force.

Another unique feature is the air conditioning system inside the arena. Architects had to ensure that the temperature and humidity inside the building remained constant to maintain the quality of the Siberian wood, preventing it from expanding or contracting, as even the slightest change in the wood surface could endanger the safety of the riders.

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Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Velodrome Rawamangun was designed with strong sustainability principles. In addition to the use of ETFE membranes for natural lighting, the building implements a cross-ventilation system in non-track areas. The wide roof structure also functions as a rainwater harvesting system, which is then channeled to a reservoir for reuse in landscape maintenance around the area.

The utilization of space beneath the spectator stands is also intelligently optimized. Instead of leaving it empty, these spaces are used as changing rooms, medical rooms, control centers, and athlete warm-up areas, thereby minimizing the building's carbon footprint by optimizing the existing space volume.

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Social and Cultural Significance

For the people of Jakarta, Velodrome Rawamangun has transcended its function as a competition arena. This area has become an inclusive public realm. Outside the main building, there are open parks, jogging tracks, and spacious plaza areas accessible to the residents of East Jakarta for social interaction.

Culturally, the presence of this world-class facility enhances Jakarta's prestige in the international arena. The Velodrome is often referred to as one of the best in Asia, even the world, positioning Jakarta as a prime destination for global sports championships and serving as a symbol of Indonesian modernity capable of building infrastructure with the most complex engineering standards.

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Visitor Experience and Urban Integration

The visitor experience upon entering Velodrome Rawamangun begins from the spacious front plaza, which is directly integrated with the Jakarta LRT station (Velodrome Station). This integration with public transportation is part of the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) concept championed by Jakarta to reduce the use of private vehicles.

Inside the arena, the continuously circular design of the spectator stands provides a 360-degree unobstructed view (column-free view). The seating capacity of 3,000 to 5,000 people creates an intimate yet grand atmosphere. The acoustics inside the building were also meticulously considered, ensuring that the cheers of the spectators could be heard evenly without echoes disrupting the course of the competition.

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Conclusion

Velodrome Rawamangun is an architectural masterpiece that bridges technical functionality with visual beauty. Through the selection of innovative materials like Siberian wood and ETFE membranes, as well as an aerodynamic design approach, this building stands as a monument to the progress of construction engineering in Indonesia. It is not merely a racing circuit, but an icon of East Jakarta's pride that unites the spirit of sports, structural innovation, and community social space in one brilliant architectural harmony.