The Manila Arena in the Philippines is currently under construction, and upon completion, will claim the title of largest indoor arena in the world.

Designed by architecture firm, Populous Melbourne, the 50,000-seat arena has been commissioned by Iglesia Ni Cristo (The Church of Christ) and aims to be unveiled in time for the church's centennial celebration in 2014. The projected cost is US$175m (£113m, €133m).

Populous said the project presented many technical challenges as it was designed as a one-side bowl."The building's capacity pushes the boundary of arena design. The form uses geometry to create an elegant appearance while also giving the venue a powerful presence within its setting," added Populous.

The masterplan will eventually see the inclusion of shopping centres, a hospital and large scale residential developments. The arena can be reconfigured to accommodate church ceremonies, boxing, tennis, concerts or indoor gymnastics.

Special consideration had to be given to making certain the arena would be comfortable considering the humid, tropical climate of Manila. As a result, Populous said the required plant space needed to run the ventilation requirements of the building, had a major effect on the floor planning.