EIGHT MATCHES STADIUMS IN QATAR FOR THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2022

Photo: Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy

After years of preparation, the FIFA Men's World Cup 2022, one of the most anticipated global events of the year, finally kicked off on Sunday, November 20, and will run until Sunday, December 18.

Ever since FIFA announced that Qatar will host this tournament, work on the construction or reconstruction of a total of 8 stadiums has started at full speed, and we are bringing you the final result in the following lines.

Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy

AL THUMAMA STADIJUM – IBRAHIM JAIDAH ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS

Located 12 kilometers south of Doha, Al Thumama Stadium's design infuses Arab culture through its facade, drawing inspiration from the woven patterns of the "takiya" cap, a traditional head covering worn by Muslim men in the Arab region.

In addition to its design, the area surrounding the project explores the importance of ecological and contextual architecture, targeting the Global Sustainability Assessment System Trust (GSAS) 4-star certification for design and construction, writes gradnja.rs.

The stadium saves 40% more fresh water compared to a conventional stadium, using recycled water to irrigate green areas.

As much as 50,000 square meters of parkland has been integrated into the design, using native trees to cover 84% of the landscape.

The stadium was inaugurated during the 49th Amir Cup Final on 22 October 2021.

Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy

AL JANOUB STADIUM - ZAHA HADID ARCHITECTS AND AECOM

Back in 2013, Zaha Hadid Architects was chosen to work together with AECOM on the design and construction of the Al Janoub Stadium, where the match between Serbia and Cameroon will take place on November 28.

Built in Al Wakrah, one of the oldest residential areas in the south of Doha and set in a rich cultural site with a deep archaeological heritage, the design is inspired by the city's history of pearl hunting, fishing and traditional boats.

The 40,000-seat stadium opened on 16 May 2019, coinciding with the Amir Cup final. After the championship, the capacity of the stadium will be reduced to 20,000 visitors, while the other 20,000 seats will be donated to projects for the development of football abroad.

Hospitality and recreational facilities, as well as a school, event hall, cycle paths, horse riding and running tracks, are some of the new facilities currently being developed next to the stadium to ensure its long-term use.

Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy

AL BAYT STADIUM - AS+P ALBERT SPEER + PARTNER AND DAR AL-HANDASAH

Inspired by traditional nomadic tents, the 60,000-capacity stadium hosted the first match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and will continue to host the game until the semi-finals.

Located in the northern city of Al Khor, a place known for pearling and fishing that has drawn desert dwellers to the coast over the years, the stadium's design pays tribute to Qatar's past and present, highlighting the city's culture, traditions and history.

Similar to nomadic tents, the top layer of the modular seating design is portable and will be removed after the championships and given to developing countries in need of sports infrastructure.

The stadium design was unveiled in mid-2014 by the Qatar Heritage Committee and the Aspire Zone Foundation, and was inaugurated in early 2020, coinciding with Qatar's National Sports Day.

Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy

AHMAD BIN ALI STADIUM – BDP PATTERN, RAMBOLL AND AECOM

Home to one of Qatar's most celebrated football teams in the city of Al Rayyan, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium celebrates its close-knit community by incorporating symbols of Qatari culture and tradition.

One of the main features of the design is the wavy facade, made of patterns that characterize different aspects of the country, such as "the importance of family, the beauty of the desert, the indigenous flora and fauna, as well as local and international trade".

About 40,000 fans will be protected by a light canopy and advanced cooling systems, which will ensure optimal comfort during matches.

Also known as the "gateway to the desert", Ahmad bin Ali Stadium opened its doors in December 2020 during the Amir Cup final.

Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy

EDUCATION CITY STADIUM – FENWICK IRIBARREN ARCHITECTS

Located in a vibrant center of knowledge and innovation, Education City Stadium is surrounded by academic facilities and sports organizations.

Due to its special location in Education City, the structure has been designed carefully and with great focus on accessibility.

During construction, excavators uncovered rocks that are 20-30 million years old, forcing them to dig 17 meters down, so the terrain can be placed below sea level where temperatures are cooler.

The facade features triangular patterns, a reimagining of traditional arabesque patterns, which appear to change color throughout the day following the movement of the sun across the sky.

The design was unveiled in 2014, and the stadium was completed and opened to the public in 2020.

Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy

STADIUM 974 – FENWICK IRIBARREN ARCHITECTS

Considered one of the most innovative stadium designs of all 8 structures, the 974 Stadium, formerly known as Ras Abou Aboud, was inspired by Qatar's international trade and seafaring.

The number "974", which is the international area code for Qatar, is very significant for this project, as well as the number of shipping containers that were used in its construction.

The structure where our Eagles will play the match against Switzerland on December 2nd is located on the shore across the skyline of Doha's West Bay.

Made mostly from shipping containers, the 40,000 capacity stadium will be completely dismantled after the World Cup and used as a waterfront development for the local community.

The stadium was officially inaugurated on November 20, 2021 through a digital presentation.

Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy

KHALIFA INTERNATIONAL STADIUM – ASPIRE ZONE FOUNDATION

Built in 1976 in Al Rayyan, Khalifa International has long been one of the most prominent stadiums in Qatar, hosting the Asian Games, the Gulf Cup and the AFC Asian Cup, among other events.

For this year's championship, the stadium has been expanded to accommodate 40,000 fans and is equipped with innovative cooling technology that will allow players to compete in a comfortable environment.

The structure received an addition in the form of a roof to protect the seating area, along with a new structure on the east wing that will host food outlets, shops, multi-purpose rooms, VIP lounges, a museum and a health center.

The reopening ceremony of the Khalifa International Stadium was held in 2017.

Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy

LUSAIL STADIUM – FOSTER + PARTNERS AND POPULOUS

Lusail Stadium with a capacity of 80,000 visitors, the largest of all 8 facilities, will have the honor of hosting the final of the World Cup in Qatar 2022,

The design is inspired by the interplay of light and shadow seen in the fanar, a traditional lantern in these parts of Asia.

The structural form and facade reflect the intricate motifs of artworks and pieces of furniture found throughout the Arab and Islamic world during early civilizations.

Due to its prominent location in Lusail, a newly built metropolis, the stadium's master plan features a tram system and lush green spaces, transforming the facility into an arena focused on sustainability.

Once the event is over, it will be transformed into a multi-purpose community hub with schools, shops, cafes, sports facilities and health clinics.

The stadium was officially opened at the end of 2021, and our national team will try their sporting luck there in the match against Brazil on Thursday, November 24.

Source: gradnja.rs