Sebastian Nüßlein (left) and Ralf Schnürer, experts in spatial communication and the integration of technology, show how they planned their first drafts using a cardboard model.
© Atelier Markgraph
Stadium Feeling in the Studio and at Home
The weekly television sports program “Das aktuelle sportstudio” is an institution among soccer fans in Germany. But even legends need a fresh look every now and then. Atelier Markgraph has shown how to change an icon without it losing its soul.
Design agency, Atelier Markgraph was tasked to modernize the show’s TV studio ZDF originally built in 1963 without losing its soul. The studio’s redesign embraced the energy of a live soccer stadium. “We wanted to make the stadium experience even more immersive for viewers,” says Sebastian Nüßlein, architect at Atelier Markgraph and one of the creative minds behind the transformation.
Kicking Things Off
The updated ZDF studio isn’t just home to "das aktuelle sportstudio", it also hosts a variety of other sports-centric TV shows. The challenge? Designing a cutting-edge space that’s as dynamic as the sports it showcases. To achieve this, Nüßlein’s team introduced the concept of a multimedia fan curve.
“The new design accommodates a larger audience and delivers a 360° camera view,” explains Ralf Schnürer, production manager at Atelier Markgraph. “The stadium-like atmosphere connects with fans watching at home.”
"We decided on ACRYLITE® LED color changing backlit acrylic for its capability to display both extremely dark and colored image ranges."
- Sebastian Nüßlein
Architect at Atelier Markgraph
Studio Designs with Stadium Energy using ACRYLITE® Acrylic
The main elements of the redesign are striking, illuminated –rectangular panels inspired by soccer fan scarves. “Scarves are one of the most recognizable images from soccer stadiums culture worldwide,” says Schnürer.
These “fan scarves” are made up of roughly 100 metal boxes, each measuring 10 feet by 1.5 feet, with the front panels made from ACRYLITE® LED color-changing back lit acrylic sheet. The panels are lit by a grid of LEDs capable of projecting vibrant colored surfaces, images, and even video sequences onto the acrylic's surface. We searched extensively for a material that could evenly scatter light and deliver rich colors,” explains Nüßlein. “ACRYLITE® acrylic was the perfect choice.” ACRYLITE® LED color-changing back-lit acrylic material also played a critical role—it appears dark gray when unlit but transforms to display vivid colors when backlit. “We needed a material that appeared black when not backlit but displayed intense colors when the LEDs were turned on,” explains Nüßlein.
Easy Handling & Durability—A Must!
Designers faced the challenge of assembling and dismantling the set every weekend. Certain components needed to be easily portable to accommodate other productions in the studio. “That’s why we chose ACRYLITE® acrylic—it’s break-resistant and lightweight,” explains Nüßlein.
Blending Modern Features with Nostalgia
The studio’s iconic goal wall also received thoughtful updates. “We initially wanted to preserve it exactly as it was,” says Nüßlein. “But as the project evolved, it became clear that a modernized goal wall would fit better with the new design.”
ACRYLITE® acrylic, renowned for its exceptional impact resistance, was incorporated into the goal wall to withstand the force of soccer balls. Modern electronics add dynamic illuminated effects to celebrate goals, while the unlit wall preserves a nostalgic connection to its classic design—perfect for fans who value tradition.
Beyond the Fan Panels
POLYVANTIS’ ACRYLITE® acrylic products, with their innovative properties, extended to other key elements of the studio, ensuring a cohesive and polished design. Steps and illuminated edges in the audience area were made using ACRYLITE® Satinice optimum light-diffusing acrylic, chosen for its ability to diffuse light evenly and create a sleek, seamless effect.
The host’s podium was also constructed using the same ACRYLITE® Satinice acrylic, because of frosted texture, which effectively minimizes glare—even on rounded edges that often risk appearing overly shiny due to material stretching. Thanks to the evenly distributed particles within the material, it retains its frosted finish throughout the thermoforming process.
This redesign by Atelier Markgraph proves that honoring the past and embracing progress can go hand in hand. The result is a studio that’s as legendary as the game itself.
