the 'lusail iconic stadium' by foster + partners
all images courtesy foster + partners


foster + partners have unveiled plans for the 'lusail iconic stadium' -
the venue for qatar’s 2022 world cup bid. it  will provide a world-class
football facility for 86,250 spectators during the opening ceremony,
group games and final. reflecting doha’s culture and heritage, the stadium
is designed to be highly energy efficient and capable of performing in
extreme summer climatic conditions.

the stadium has a near-circular footprint and sits on the masterplan’s primary axis,
which divides the stadium precinct into two halves. encircled by a reflective pool
of water, spectators cross the ‘moat’ to enter the building via six bridges. an outer
pedestrian concourse extends from the water towards an array of smaller amenity
buildings and a hotel at the stadium’s perimeter.

the saddle-form roof appears to float above the concrete seating bowl, discreetly
supported by a ring of arching columns. its central section can be retracted to allow
the pitch to be either open to the sky or fully covered. the concave profile of the stadium’s
outer enclosure evokes the sails of a traditional dhow boat and incorporates a system
of operable louvres. inside, the seating bowl is designed to enhance the experience
and atmosphere for spectators: vip and hospitality accommodation is concentrated along
the sides of the pitch to create a continuous sea of fans behind each goal.

located in the centre of a new development to the north of doha, with direct connections
by road and a new metro line, lusail iconic stadium is intended to be a catalyst for further
growth and has a highly progressive environmental strategy. parking and service areas are
shaded by canopies of solar collectors, which will produce energy for the stadium when
it is in use, as well as generating power for neighbouring buildings.