UK-based architectural firm Caruso St John has unveiled its proposal for the new Zurich Arena, which saw the firm win the design contract.

The project will include arenas for both ice hockey club ZSC Lions and volleyball team Volero as well as hockey training facilities.

The design proposes a building with qualities between a monument and a tent.

Caruso St John said the clarity of its structure and volume suggest the archaic qualities of a mosque or caravanserai.

“It’s an emblematic figure that makes its own place in a situation without specific qualities. The new arena should be different from the neighbouring industrial structures and should clearly mark out a place for public gathering, a meeting place and a gateway to the city."

The arena is organised on one level, with buttresses on the long sides to support steel trusses that span east-west over the volleyball arena, main ice hockey and practice rinks.

At ground level the depth of the buttresses forms arcades that run the length of the arena's long, east and west, facades, and all entrances for fans, VIPs and vehicles are accommodated within these circulation spaces.

At the south end of the arena, where the majority of fans will arrive, the arcades open up into monumental stairs that lead directly to a large south facing public terrace.

During match days, this terrace provides a generous outdoor space that cannot be provided at ground level. When matches are not scheduled, this terrace could be used for celebrations and trade events.

ZSC Lions ice hockey team and Volero volley ball team hope to move into the new building ahead of the 2017/18 sports season.