zaha hadid unveils qatar 2022 FIFA world cup stadium design

zaha hadid architects, in association with AECOM, has designed one of the five stadiums that will host the 2022 FIFA world cup in qatar. conceived under the guidance of the qatar 2022 supreme committee, the scheme draws on the fishing and sea faring heritage of its sited city, al wakrah. located just 15 kilometers south of doha, it is known as a commercial port, and gateway to the state’s capital. the ‘al wakrah stadium’ will be part of a grander development of approximately 585,000 square meters. in its completion, the sporting venue will have a gross capacity of 40,000, with the integration of modular top-tiers, offering the possibility to lower its capacity by half. construction on the ‘al wakrah’ stadium is set to start in 2014.

all images courtesy of zaha hadid architects

hassan al thawadi, secretary general, qatar 2022 supreme committee, said: ‘today’s announcement constitutes the first in an upcoming series of progress-related events and initiatives as we enter the early phase of delivering the promises we made to FIFA and the international football community during the bid. we are proud to reveal what we believe is a truly unique stadium design and surrounding precinct that will serve the population and act as a social hub for the community of al wakrah, and qatar as a whole, during the 2022 FIFA world cup and for the years to follow.

‘the stadium reflects what our country stands for from a cultural perspective. it is modern, futuristic and functional. but importantly, it remains true to qatari heritage with the design and materials inspired by the traditional dhow boat. (…) we are at an advanced stage in our planning. al wakrah is the first of six stadiums already in the latter stages of the design process. our committee has issued ten major tenders to the market encompassing project and design managers and stadium-operation consultants.’

view from the playing field

AECOM chairman and chief executive officer john m. dionisio said: ‘AECOM is pleased to play a part in the global launch for the al wakrah stadium project and congratulates the qatar 2022 supreme committee on reaching this important milestone in its delivery program. we believe the planning and design for the al wakrah stadium and precinct clearly establishes an international benchmark for sports venues in the region. we are delighted to be involved with the 2022 FIFA world cup programme and to support the qatar 2022 supreme committee in reaching its vision. this is an exciting time for qatar, and our global team of forward-thinking sports experts is well equipped to take on the innovative challenges that a project of this calibre will demand.’

zaha hadid added: ‘we are excited to be working on al wakrah stadium. the design expresses its context, establishing a relationship with the city and its surrounding landscape.’