Doha, October 03 (QNA) - Lusail Stadium (One of the eight stadiums hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022) Operations Manager Engineer, Tamim El Abed said the design of the stadium embodies the Arab-Islamic character, which is characterized by the hospitality and warm reception of the guests, The magnificent gold facade, shaped like a bowl, highlights motifs and elements from the golden age of artistic expression in the Islamic world.
In an interview with (Qatar2022.qa), El Abed added that Lusail Stadium (Located 20km from central Doha), is designed to replicate the 'fanar' lantern. Its futuristic design is inspired by the interplay of light and shadow.
"Norman Foster, the main architect behind the stadium, studied hand-carved Islamic antiques and focused on merging a golden vase and the fanar lantern into the stadium design, leading to the magnificent venue we see today," said El Abed.
The stadium is within walking distance of Lusail QNB station on the Doha Metro Red Line. Drivers can access the stadium from the Al Khor Expressway. After the World Cup, people will be able to reach the stadium using the Lusail Light Rail Tram.
On the legacy that the stadium will leave after the curtain falls on the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, Eng. Tamim El Abed explained that a number of ideas are currently being studied to take advantage of the stadium's interior spaces after the tournament, for the benefit of society and the state, including transforming the Stadium into a community hub featuring civic facilities, including affordable housing units, shops, schools, cafes, sporting facilities and medical clinics.
The stadium's upper-tier will be re-purposed into outdoor terraces for new homes. Any materials removed will be donated to countries in need of sporting infrastructure.
Sustainability has formed a crucial part of the construction process and Lusail Stadium recently received a five-star rating from the Global Sustainability Assessment System.
The most notable sustainability feature is the arena's roof, which is made from a state-of-the-art material called Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). This protects the venue from warm wind, resists dust and allows enough light to enter the pitch, while also providing shade.
Another sustainability feature is the water-efficient fixtures and leak detection systems operating inside the stadium. Moreover, the construction site conserves 40 percent more fresh water than conventional stadium developments.
The Lusail Stadium project was managed by TiME Qatar. HBK Contracting Co. WLL and China Railway Construction Corporation Limited were the main project contractors.
During the FIFA World Cup, Lusail Stadium will host ten matches, including the final, they are: Argentina v Saudi Arabia (Group C), Brazil v Serbia (Group G), Argentina v Mexico (Group C), Portugal v Uruguay (Group H), Saudi Arabia v Mexico (Group C), Cameroon v Brazil (Group G), Round of 16, a Quarter-finals match, a Semi-finals match, and the Final. (QNA)