Zaha Hadid Architects have hit back at Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's decision to scrap their plan for the new National Stadium in Tokyo, insisting the ambitious design was not responsible for spiraling construction costs.
Abe on Friday pulled the plug on Pritzker Prize-winning architect Hadid's design for the new stadium amid a growing public backlash, after estimated construction outlays soared from an initial ¥130 billion to ¥252 billion.
Japan will now be unable to fulfill its promise to stage 2019 Rugby World Cup matches — including the opening game and the final — at the venue, although Abe insists the new stadium will be finished in time for the 2020 Olympics.