The Zaha Hadid-designed Al Wakrah Stadium in Qatar has had the final piece of its roof structure installed as it progresses toward completion before the 2022 FIFA World Cup, for which it is a proposed tournament venue.
The dramatically-shaped stadium has a swooping roofline said to have been inspired by the sails of a traditional dhow boat, with the steel structure sitting 50m above pitch level. Known as an oculus beam, it weighs 378 tones, is 92m in length and was originally in six pieces before it was assembled on-site and lifted into place in a process that took 40 days.
The 40,000-seat stadium will employ a retractable roof made of a PVC Titanium membrane and a steel wire mechanism that will be able to close in approximately 30 minutes to provide shade to the entire pitch.
The Gulf Times reported that the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) – the organization overseeing the build across 2022 stadia – had announced the milestone of the project, which is scheduled for completion within 12 months.
“The stadium is beginning to reflect its memorable and unique design. Installing the roof is a major step forward for our project and almost the final piece of the jigsaw,” Thani al-Zarraa, SC’s Al Wahrah Stadium project manager, was quoted.
“Installing the seats soon, in the iconic blue and white colors of Al Wakrah Sports Club, is also helping to bring the stadium to life. We are confident local residents and people across Qatar will be impressed with the progress made at the venue. We are all looking forward to seeing it launched.”
May 23, 2018
