The stadium was built with sustainable materials, recycled water irrigates the surrounding green areas, and solar panels power the stadium's energy needs and air conditioning. The firm carefully considered the future of this project, and to prevent it from becoming a "white elephant" after the World Cup, the space will be redesigned to transform it into a community hub with a shopping center, sports facilities, schools, and health centers.
It is one of the eight spectacular stadiums built for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which takes place from November 20 to December 18 of this year in Qatar, most of which were built using sustainable construction methods. It is the Lusail IconicStadium.
It was built specifically for the sporting event and designed by the British firm Foster + Partners. The project was first presented in London in October 2010. Construction began in 2017, and the final design was unveiled in 2018. The stadium opened its doors in May 2021 and was officially inaugurated in September 2022.
It is located in the new Qatari city of Lusail, 15 kilometers north of Doha. It is a structure designed to meet the needs of a World Cup that prioritizes sustainability, accessibility, and its legacy after the tournament.
The Lusail Iconic Stadium has a capacity of 80,000 spectators. British designers drew inspiration from Arabic architecture, fanar lanterns, and craftsmanship. The golden, bowl-shaped volume reflects the building's function while responding to Qatar's climate. The roof is entirely covered with solar panels, providing electricity not only for the stadium but also for the surrounding areas.
The central section of the building can be opened and closed as needed, and its 307-meter diameter roof reduces the stadium's energy consumption. This earned it a five-star rating in the Global Sustainability Assessment System.
Inside, the seating area is designed to enhance the spectator experience and atmosphere: VIP and hospitality accommodations are concentrated along the sides of the course to create a continuous sea of fans behind every golf.
The stadium was built with sustainable materials; recycled water irrigates the surrounding green areas, and solar panels power the stadium's energy needs and air conditioning. The firm carefully considered the future of this project, and to prevent it from becoming a "white elephant" after the World Cup, the space will be redesigned to transform it into a community hub with a shopping center, sports facilities, schools, and health centers. The roof and exterior will be preserved, and the seats will be donated to countries in need.
Sources:
