By Tony Attwood
I have to say that when I was asked if I’d like to have a look at anarchitectural object inspired byArsenal Stadium (which I would agree is one of the most architecturally distinguished football grounds ever built) of course I said yes.
And not just because I was curious, but also because Highbury Stadium was where I started supporting Arsenal, watching reserve games with my Dad when I was about eight or nine years old.Of course, the stadium in now apartments – although the way it has been transformed into contemporary housing does deserve admiration. But until now, all we’ve had are photographs of the old days as a way of remembering what the place was like. Now we have something else.
Although Arsenal moved to Highbury in 1913, the front of the stadium was not completed in the way we know it today until 1936. Ever since Arsenal Stadium — commonly known as Highbury — has been celebrated for its refined Art Deco architecture, which transformed the stadium (now re-worked as housing, but retaining its original exterior features) into a civic landmark. These qualities make it especially compelling when interpreted as a physical architectural object. You can read **the full Arsenal Stadium architecture guide**through that link.
So what makes the original ground important, not just to us Arsenal fans, but to anyone who is concerned about or interested in 20th-century architecture, or indeed the way football grounds were presented to the public nearly 100 years ago?
Unlike most stadiums of its era, Arsenal Stadium was conceived as more than a functional sports venue. Its monumental East and West Stand façades were designed to present football as part of the city’s cultural life, drawing on the language of Art Deco cinemas, transport buildings, and public institutions.
The manufacturers of the model have kindly provided me with the following information….
This architectural model focuses on the elements that define the stadium’s identity, featuring strong Art Deco geometry, symmetry and restrained decorative detailing.
And so, because of the ground’s importance both in the history of Arsenal and indeed in terms of 20th-century architecture in London, we have produced a model of the ground, which we believe reveals the clarity and ambition of the original design.
As for why Arsenal Stadium works as an architectural model,Arsenal Stadium translates particularly well into an architectural object because its design is driven by:
geometry rather than surface complexity
proportion and symmetry rather than ornament
a clear distinction between façade and structure
At reduced scale, the stadium reads as a composed architectural whole rather than a collection of stands — allowing its design to be appreciated independently of matchday spectacle.Rather than functioning as a miniature replica, this object captures the architectural essence of Highbury.
Craft, materials, and finish
Each Arsenal Stadium object is crafted with an emphasis on precision and restraint. The finish is intentionally understated, allowing light and shadow to articulate the building’s stepped forms and horizontal lines in the same way they do on the original concrete façades. The result is an object that sits naturally within:
architectural and design studios
modern interiors
shelves and workspaces
It appeals equally to architects, design-led collectors, and those with a deep connection to Arsenal and football history. An object shaped by sporting and architectural legacy.
Arsenal Stadium occupies a unique position in architectural history — a rare example of Art Deco civic architecture applied to sport. Its later transformation into Highbury Square ensured that its most significant architectural elements were preserved, extending the building’s life beyond its original function.
As an object, the stadium becomes a study in how architecture can elevate everyday culture into something enduring and symbolic.
And so we have produced our model of “Highbury” – the stadium Arsenal built after moving north, from Plumstead.
The model of the stadium designed by Chisel & Mouse shows the entrance to the stadium as it was when created in October 1936 and as it remains today. This is an unofficial architectural model and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or licensed by Arsenal Football Club.
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