AL THUMAMA STADIUM - Fenwick Iribarren Architects

Sports

THE CONCEPT OF AL THUMAMA STADIUM IS BASED ON A STRONG REFERENCE TO THE “AL GAHFIYA,” WHICH IS PART OF THE TYPICAL QATARI LOCAL DRESS.

Client Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy
Location Doha Qatar
Size 120.000M₂
Spectators 40.000
Status Finished

The main goal for the stadium was to become a benchmark in sports facilities for the city of Qatar and the people living in the neighborhood, contributing to a healthier society and an entertainment space in Qatar.

The Al Thumama Stadium takes its name from the location where it is situated, which, in turn, derives its name from the tree that grows in this area.
The stadium was designed to meet all of FIFA’s requirements for group matches and quarter-final games for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The stadium has a capacity of 40,000 spectators but can be reduced to 20,000 spectators after the World Cup by removing the upper tier.

About the project

The stadium’s facade mimics the intricate design of the “ghafiya,” a headpiece worn by young boys before they reach adulthood, at which point they wear the “ghutras” over the “ghafiya.” The rhomboidal fiberglass pieces of the facade and the roof alternate between translucent and opaque versions to control the entry of light during the day and create a spectacular night-time image.

Now that 2022 World Cup it’s over, the capacity will be halved, and it will be converted into a mixed-use leisure center. The stadium will host a multi-sport pavilion, a water sports center, a boutique hotel, a mosque, and two local football teams will use the stadium facilities.

The project also envisions economic activation of the area, including small retail malls, to help establish the area as a key hub for commerce, sports, and social interaction.

Fenwick Iribarren Architects committed as the sports architect, working alongside the local qatari architect AEB, with whom they developed the conceptual design through the schematic/detailed design phases up to the tender and contract award. Fenwick Iribarren Architects developed the detailed design of the perforated tensile facade of the stadium.

The stadium has achieved GSAS Gold Environmental Certification.

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