Tag: World Cup

Architecture & Building

Qatar world cup stadiums designed by great architects  

1st December 20220

The 2022 FIFA world cup in Qatar features 7 brand new football stadiums. The stadiums include designs from some of the world’s most famous architects. Each architect has designed the stadiums to represent and portray Arab Culture. So, get to know about some of these amazing projects and the great architects behind them.  

Al Bayt Stadium by Dar Al-Handasah –  

Firstly, the Al Bayt stadium was designed by Dar Al- Handasah. Dar Al-Handasah consultants founded in 1956, is a privately owned Internatinal consulting company. It was given the Arabic name Dar Al-Handasah meaning “the house of engineering”. Over the years, Dar has provided consultancy services to more than 950 clients in 60 countries. And has handled over 4,000 projects involving a collective investment of over US$300 billion.  

The Al Bayt stadium will host around 60,000 world cup fans. However, after the tournament it’s expected to be reconfigured into a 32,000-seat stadium. The vacated space will then be converted into a five-star hotel, shopping mall and another sports facility. Its giant tent structure covers the whole arena and is inspired by traditional tents of nomadic peoples from the Gulf region. It was a brilliant idea by one of the architects.  

Lusail Stadium by Foster + Partners and Populous –  

Foster + Partners is a British architectural, engineering, and integrated design practice founded in 1967 by Norman Foster. It is the largest architectural firm in the UK with over 1,500 employees in 13 studios worldwide. 

 Foster + Partners also worked with Populous which is a global architectural and design practice. They specialises in sports facilities and arenas.  

This is the largest of the 2022 world cup stadiums, and it will be hosting the final game in the competition. Designed by architects Foster + Partners and Populous. Furthermore, it’s Inspired by the light and shadow of a “fanar” lantern, the façade features triangular panels and a steel frame with additional decorations resembling the motifs found on regional artistic bowls.  

Al Thumama by Ibrahim Jaidah Architects- 

This stadium has an amazing architectural design, its inspired by the Gahfiya, a traditional headpiece worn by Muslim men. This building was designed by architect Ibrahim Jaidah, it offers 40,000 seats. However, after the world cup 20,000 seats will be removed, and a hotel will replace the stadiums upper stands. 

Al janoub by Zaha Hadid Architects + AECOM –  

Finally, this stadium was designed by the famous Zaha Hadid’s architectural firm. According to the designers, it was inspired by the sails of traditional Dhow boats. Used by pearl divers from the region, weaving through currents of the Persian Gulf. The curvilinear roof and exterior references Al Wakrah’s history of seafaring, additionally giving spectators the feeling on being on a ship. In addition, it currently holds 40,000 seats but will be repurposed for a local football team and will have 20,000 seats.  

Architecture & Building

A list of the best designed football stadiums in the world  

23rd November 20220

A stadium often very important to the countries and teams they represent. The structure can symbolise the identity and strengths of the region hosting the event. They are able to unite and attract people from all over the globe that have a common interest of sport. It is known that the design of the arena is able to boost the moods of the football players. So, here are some of the most beautiful and innovative stadium designs.  

First National Bank Stadium, South Africa –  

Firstly, popularly known as Soccer City, this innovative football stadium was built in 1989 and is one of the most popular in the world. The arena has a capacity of 100,000 making it the largest in Africa. The outside of the stadium is designed to have the appearance of an African pot. The cladding on the outside is a mosaic of fire and earthen colours with a ring of lights running around the bottom of the structure, simulating fire underneath the pot.   

Allianz Arena, Germany –  

Secondly, opened in 2005, this is the home of Munich’s two main local football teams. This stadium is well known for its exterior of ETFE plastic panels. This is the first stadium in the world with a full colour changing exterior. The primary designers are architects Herzog & De Meuron. Furthermore, the arena can host 75,000 spectators.  

AAMI Park, Australia –

When completed in 2010, it was Melbourne’s first large purpose-built rectangular stadium. The COX Architecture designed a “Bioframe” design, with a geodesic dome roof covering much of the seating area, while still allowing light through to the pitch. It is also fitted with LED lights that display a variety of patterns and colours that suit the event.  

Wembley Stadium, United Kingdom –  

Opened in 1923, Wembley Stadium underwent a significant refurbishment in 2007. So, with a capacity of 90,000 seats, it is the most beautifully designed football stadium in the United Kingdom. Wembley was designed by architects Foster + Partners and Populous. The stadiums signature feature is a 134m lattice arch stretching over the building. In addition, the arch is the world’s longest unsupported roof structure.  

Sapporo Dome, Japan –  

Finally, designed by Japanese architect Hiroshi Hara. The Sapporo Dome was completed in 2001 with remarkable futuristic features that make it one of the most state-of-the-art football stadiums that are praised to this day. The most unique aspect of this multi-purpose arena is the retractable grass football pitch that can slide in and out of the stadium by a pneumatic mechanism in only a matter of a few hours. 

 

Architecture & Building

Qatar world cup: The £220 billion stadium constructions.  

22nd November 20220

Qatar 2022 will be the first middle eastern country to host the world cup. The world cup in Qatar will take place in 8 stadiums during November and December. 7 of the 8 stadiums are brand new and underwent a huge redevelopment.  

Since Qatar was awarded the event in 2010, the country has been developing infrastructure which is able to accommodate all of the visitors.  

Which cities are the stadiums in?  

The Qatari cities that are hosting the tournaments and build new stadiums are:  

  • Firstly, Al Wakrah  
  • Al Khor 
  • Al Rayyan 
  • Doha
  • Finally, Lusail 

How much did the construction of each stadium cost? 

Lusail Iconic Stadium –  

Firstly, Lusail iconic stadium is the biggest that was built, with a capacity of 80,000 and it’s based in Lusail, Qatar. The stadium was designed by British firm Foster + partners, and populous. Its exterior design replicates bowls, vessels, and other art pieces of the Arab and Islamic world. Its construction began in 2017 and opened in November 2021 with a reported cost of £680 million.  

Lusail Stadium by Foster + Partners

Al Bayt Stadium –  

Secondly, the Al Bayt is a multi-purpose stadium in the coastal town of Al Khor, Qatar. It has a capacity of 60,000 making it one of the larger arenas. The construction began in November 2021 and it was completed by the end of 2021. The main inspiration for the design of the exterior was a large Arabic tent. In addition, the construction reportedly cost £718 million. 

(David Ramos/Getty Images)

Al Janoub Stadium – 

This is a retractable roof stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar. The stadium was designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, built 2014-2019. So, the stadium features a curvilinear Postmodernist and neo-futurist design. The appearance of the roof was inspired by the sails of traditional Dhow boats. The capacity of the stadium is 40,000, and it is reported to cost £555 million to build.  

PHOTOGRAPHER Hufton + Crow  Luke Hayes 

Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium –  

The Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.  The former stadium, built in 2003, had a seating capacity of 21,282 and was demolished in 2015.The new Al Rayyan Stadium has a seating capacity of 44,740. Also, it was opened in December 2020 and its reported cost was about £305 million. 

 ©Getty Images

Khalifa International Stadium –  

Khalifa International Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Doha, Qatar. An ancient flavour with a futuristic aroma, this venue was the only one that was not fully built because of Qatar 2022. It opened in 1976 and has been the house of Qatari football since then. It went through a renovation from 2014 to 2017, when it was reopened. Furthermore, the refurbishment cost was reported at £317 million. 

Image: FIFA

Education City Stadium –  

This stadium is located in Al Rayyan, Qatar, and was built for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Its works started in 2015 and the venue was opened in 2020. Like most of the Qatar 2022 stadiums, it offers advanced cooling techniques. In addition, it was one of the most expensive projects with a cost of £594 million. 

© Pattern

Stadium 974 –  

This is a stadium in Doha, Qatar. Opened 30 November 2021, it is a temporary venue made from 974 recycled shipping containers that will host matches during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, after which it will be dismantled. The construction cost of this venue remains uncertain.  

Image: [dezeen/Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy]

Al Thumama Stadium –  

Finally, Al Thumama Stadium is a football venue in Al Thumama, Qatar. The construction first started in 2017 and was completed in October 2021. The capacity of the venue is 40,000. In fact, this venue’s exterior is inspired by the Gahfiya, the traditional cap used by Arabic men. It is estimated the construction of this building was £288 million.