Al Janoub Stadium, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar is already completed and has hosted its first football match on 16. May – the Amir Cup final between Al-Duhail and Al Sadd.
Sited in the city of Al Wakrah, around 10 miles south of Doha, the Al Wakrah Stadium is one of the eight venues, that will be used during the famous competition.
The form of the building was inspired by the shape of the typical fishing boats, called dhows.
“We didn’t want to literally blow up a dhow boat so we looked at abstracting it in order to create something dynamic and organic – something that has multiple interpretations,” said Jim Heverin, director at Zaha Hadid Architects.
The stadium has an operable roof designed by Schlaich Bergermann Partner, and a seating bowl cooling system so that players and visitors can be cooled and the building can be used during the summer.
The capacity of the stadium can be reduced from 40,000 to 20,000 following the conclusion of the World Cup. The 20,000 temporary seats are demountable and transportable to a developing country in need for sporting infrastructure.
After the competition, the stadium will serve as home to football team Al Wakrah Sports Club.
Photography by Hufton + Crow
https://www.dezeen.com/2019/05/16/zaha-hadid-al-wakrah-stadium-world-cup-2022-qatar-complete/