From Isolated Arenas to Community Anchors: Art, Culture, and the Experience Economy with Matthew Breest
Dot Dot Dot: The NINE dot ARTS Podcast
Episode 93
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This episode explores how architecture, art, and placemaking can transform stadiums and arenas into thriving community anchors. Populous Principal Matthew Breest shares how his background in philosophy grounds his approach to design: enhancing the human experience through places that bring people together. That mission resonates deeply in Populous’ work on two Colorado game-changers:
- Denver’s National Women’s Soccer Stadium at Santa Fe Yards, the largest investment in a women’s professional sports team in U.S. history. Designed as a three-sided, park-integrated venue, the stadium prioritizes openness, accessibility, and year-round community use.
- West Greeley’s arena and entertainment district, which pairs a new home for the Colorado Eagles with a hotel, waterpark, and community ice rink — balancing regional authenticity with immersive, art-driven experiences.
Throughout the conversation, Breest emphasizes that art and architecture are inseparable when done well. From immersive environments like the MSG Sphere in Las Vegas to community-oriented projects in Northern Colorado, art not only enhances aesthetics but also unlocks economic value, strengthens identity, and fosters long-term community pride.
Discussed in the Episode:
Matthew Breest
Populous
Rob Cohen
Jessica Bergman
Water Valley / Martin Lind
Davis Partnership Architects
Coors Field
Intuit Dome
Art Collection at Intuit Dome
MSG Sphere (Las Vegas)
Denver National Women’s Soccer League Stadium
Santa Fe Yards
Greeley Westside Project
Colorado Eagles
Union Station
McGregor Square
McNichols Arena
Asher Adams Hotel
Art Collection at Asher Adams
Storm King Art Center
Antonio Gaudí
Louis Kahn
I See What You Mean by Lawrence Argent (Blue Bear)
Mustang by Luis Jiménez (Blue Horse)
Matthew Breest on LinkedIn
About Matthew Breest:
As Principal at Populous, Matthew Breest conceptualizes and delivers complex projects in an efficient and streamlined manner. His first step in every project is to build a sturdy consensus between stakeholders. He champions organizations and teams to develop, discuss, and exchange ideas so that every design solution addresses the specific needs of its community. Through the demands and complexities of every design process, Matthew guides his colleagues and clients with calm precision, ensuring that inspired developments are met with confidence. Matthew has refined his work process for decades to be proficient across a variety of domestic and global typologies, including convention centers, exposition centers, museums, arenas, commercial office towers, and airports. His background in philosophy translates into a passion for thoughtful communication and ambitious design. By proposing strong project narratives that are as grounded as they are bold, Matthew’s completed designs organically foster meaningful shared experiences for their audiences. Matthew believes that exceptional architecture is the built expression of a thoughtfully curated design process. His overarching goal is to pioneer new design approaches that take on the challenges posed by contemporary society, to the benefit of current and future cultures.
About Dot Dot Dot: The NINE dot ARTS Podcast:
Dot Dot Dot is the continuing conversation around art in the built environment. Episodes explore art, culture, placemaking, and more with a range of reputable art and business leaders. Tune in biweekly to learn how an original art experience can boost your business and make a positive social impact. Episodes are available wherever you get your podcasts!