Post by Rule Joy Trammell Rubio

At RJTR, we see major global events as opportunities to look more closely at the places and spaces that shape the human experience. With the World Cup capturing global attention, we’re pausing today to turn our focus from the action on the field to the architecture surrounding it. Good design thinking extends beyond a single project type. Whether we are studying a campus, a hospitality environment, a civic space, or a stadium filled with thousands of fans, we are always interested in how architecture creates identity, supports movement, and creates human connection. In the first article of our new Through a Designer’s Eye series, we’re proud to feature Emily Harrington, one of RJTR’s talented emerging design professionals. Inspired by research she originally shared with our team, Emily explores five World Cup stadiums in Mexico and Canada through the lens of architecture, place, and atmosphere. From venues embedded into the landscape to retractable roofs designed for changing weather, her observations remind us that these venues are more than places to watch a match. They are civic landmarks, engineering achievements, and carefully designed experiences. Read Emily’s Article: Through a Designer’s Eye: Five World Cup Stadiums That Shape the Game #WorldCup2026 #StadiumDesign #SportsArchitecture #ArchitecturalDesign #BuiltEnvironment #ThroughADesignersEye #RJTR