The
2022 World Cup , one of the most anticipated global events of this year, is coming!
Scheduled to take place in Qatar, the first Arab country to host the tournament, preparations for the construction of the 8 stadiums have been in full swing since 2010, when FIFA announced that the tournament would be hosted there. Because Qatar is a country with
critical climate conditions , the 2022 World Cup will take place
from November 21 to December 18 , that is, in the Qatari winter which, despite being understood as the mildest time of year in the world, country, temperatures between 20 and 30°C are expected. Thus, with the
collaboration between architects and engineers who worked together from the beginning of the process, a series of
advanced and
pioneering air conditioning technologies were developed in the stadiums, training grounds and fan areas. Next, discover the architecture of the
8 stadiums that will be the stars of the 2022 World Cup.
1. Al Bayt Stadium by AS+P Albert Speer + Partner and Dar Al-Handasah
The venue for the
opening match of the 2022 World Cup, the
Al Bayt Stadium , designed by AS+P Albert Speer + Partner and Dar Al-Handasah, is inspired by the
bayt al sha'ar, the traditional nomadic tents of Qatar. Located in the northern city of
Al Khor , the upper section of the stadium's grandstand is a
portable modular design , which will be removed during the championship and offered to developing countries in need of sports infrastructure.
2. Al Janoub Stadium by Zaha Hadid Architects + AECOM
Al Janoub Stadium is located in
Al Wakrah City, one of the oldest inhabited areas in Qatar. The stadium’s
captivating design by
Zaha Hadid Architects + AECOM is inspired by the city’s history of pearl divers, fishermen and
dhow boats.
. After the World Cup, Al Janoub’s capacity will be
reduced , with seats donated to other sporting projects around the world. The venue is surrounded by
lush parkland with sports and leisure facilities that will benefit the entire community for years to come.
3. Al Thumama Stadium by Ibrahim Jaidah Architects & Engineers
Inspired by the fabrics of a
Gahfiya , a traditional headdress worn by Muslim men in the Arab region, the
Al Thumama stadium – located 12 km south of Doha, the country's capital – intertwines
Arab culture throughout its façade. Designed by
Ibrahim Jaidah Architects & Engineers , the project’s surrounding area explores the importance of ecological and
contextual architecture , seeking a four-star certification from the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) for both design and construction. The stadium guarantees savings of
40% more water than a conventional stadium, using
"recycled water" to irrigate green areas.
4. Education City Stadium, by Fenwick Iribarren Architects
The
Education City Stadium , designed by Fenwick Iribarren Architects, is an extraordinary venue located in a vibrant hub of knowledge and innovation. The stadium’s structure was designed with
a strong focus on accessibility . The ultra-modern design blends seamlessly with
traditional Islamic architecture . On the exterior, triangles create intricate diamond-like
geometric patterns that shimmer as the sun moves. At night, a
digital light show illuminates the facade.
5. Lusail Stadium, by Foster + Partners and Populous
Designed by Foster + Partners and Populous, the
Lusail Stadium will host the 2022 World Cup final and is the
largest of the eight
stadiums built. The design of the venue reflects the
handcrafted bowls found throughout the Arab and Islamic world during the rise of civilization, while light interactions reflect the region's
fanar lanterns . Once the event is over, the site will be transformed into a
community space , with schools, shops, cafes, sports facilities and health clinics.
6. Khalifa International Stadium, by Aspire Zone Foundation
Since 1976, Khalifa International Stadium has been one of the most notable stadiums in the country, and has hosted important events such as the Asian Games, the Arabian Gulf Cup and the AFC Asian Cup, among others. For the 2022 World Cup, the stadium has undergone a complete renovation : its capacity has been expanded and its structure has been filled with innovative cooling technology that will allow players to play in a comfortable environment . 7. 974 Stadium by Fenwick Iribarren Architects
One of the most
innovative designs of all, the
974 Stadium , designed by Fenwick Iribarren Architects, is inspired by Qatar's international trade and maritime heritage. The number 974 is the country's international telephone code, as well as the number of containers used in the project, which was built entirely from
shipping containers and
modular steel , being the first
fully dismountable football stadium.
8. Ahmad bin Ali Stadium by BDP Pattern, Ramboll and AECOM
The Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, located in Umm Al Afaei – one of Qatar’s most historic cities and home to the famous Al Rayyan SC – celebrates the unity of its community by incorporating symbols of Qatari traditions and culture . The façade
design reflects the
undulations of the sand dunes, while the intricate geometric patterns reflect the beauty of the desert, native flora and fauna, as well as local and international commerce. Source: Archdaily.
