Populous designs a Charlotte Hornets interior covered in a “swarm” of panels

Global design studio Populous has unveiled renderings for an NBA training facility with metal panels and a rooftop terrace in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The groundbreaking is expected to take place in early 2025. The state-of-the-art practice facility will serve the Charlotte Hornets and will be adjacent to the Spectrum Center, the team's home arena.

“We are excited to work with the Charlotte Hornets to design their state-of-the-art practice facility, strengthening the organization and strengthening its position as one of the premier teams in the NBA,” said Populous Senior Principal and Global Director Jonathan Mallie.

“The team’s presence in uptown Charlotte will serve as a beacon of player performance and attract the league’s best athletes.”

As part of the Hornets' Re!magine Spectrum Center project, the center will feature 14,864 square feet of training, administrative and retail space.

The linear building will consist of bands of metal panels and glass that form horizontal lines punctuated by wedge-shaped, angled panels.

“A dynamic swarm”

“The training floors overlook the streets of downtown Charlotte and are clad in a dynamic swarm of articulated metal panels – the composition is highlighted by a series of angled, iridescent accent panels,” Mallie told Dezeen.

“We incorporated the Hornets’ color scheme and branding into our design concept, tying the architecture to the team and the city in a unique way.”

In keeping with a venue in a location nicknamed “Buzz City,” the bee branding continues in the main gymnasium, which features two hexagonal tiled courts between glass-enclosed offices where spectators can watch practice.

The room will be decorated in the Hornets' signature teal and dark purple tones and will be lit by a clerestory window that surrounds the room and casts light across the trussed ceiling.

Kitty-corner to the Spectrum Center — at the corner of Caldwell and 5th Streets — the performance center will have a public plaza on the ground floor that flows into an atrium-like gathering space directly above inside the building.

The remainder of the ground floor includes 232 square meters of retail space, allowing the public to engage with the building.

In addition to the 100,000 square feet (9,290 square meters) of practice space, the center will also have 35,000 square feet (3,250 square meters) of administrative offices for the team's business operations and a 25,000 square feet (2,320 square meters) orthopedic practice recovery center.

“Thoughtful and functional design is essential for both player development and recovery, whether for seasoned veterans or the newest newcomers,” said Populous Director David Hodge.

“Charlotte’s new, world-class training facility will usher in a new era for the team and its owners.”

The performance center – funded in part by the city of Charlotte, with other costs covered by the franchise – is expected to open for the 2026-2027 NBA season.

Populous is also currently working on a sports performance center for the Cleveland Cavaliers that will be “one of the largest training facilities in the world.”

Additionally, the NBA recently opened the doors to the LA Clippers' new Intuit Dome with a basketball net-like roof designed by AECOM.

Renderings courtesy of Populous.

Project evidence:

Architecture: Populous
Construction: Gilbane Building Company, R. J. Leeper
Advice: CAA symbol