AFL Architects is proud to announce the practice is the delivery architect on the centrepiece stadium for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™, working together with Engineers Aurecon.
Recently unveiled to the public, the 80,000-seat Lusail Stadium will be the largest venue at the tournament and will host the final and opening matches. It has been created to sit at the heart of the new Lusail City development, approximately 15km from Doha.
AFL was selected in 2016 by HBK/CRCC JV to develop the initial design for the stadium. In 2017, the practice began to deliver the revised schematic design and IFC packages for the stadium and tournament overlay, with stadium construction beginning that same year.
As the highest profile stadium in the world today, the project required a truly international architectural team. The fully coordinated design draws from the strengths of AFL’s diverse teams and the experience of stadium experts across 10 countries, who performed a full creative and technical review of the original iconic concept. This led to an optimised final design that will provide a world-class spectator experience, luxurious VVIP and VIP hospitality facilities, and an unforgettable atmosphere deserved of the first ever FIFA World Cup™ to be hosted in the Arab world and only the second in Asia.
Construction of the new stadium will be completed in 2020 providing an iconic focal point for both the tournament and the new city.
John Roberts, Sports Director, AFL Architects said,
“The developed design and delivery of Lusail Stadium marks an important milestone for AFL Architects. Following the opening of our Qatar office in 2013, our involvement on this project represents the pinnacle of our international journey so far. Following appointment, our team has impressed with their relentless dedication and enthusiasm for this world-class project, and we are very happy with the progress on site.”
AFL Architects has also delivered projects for both the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ and 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™. The architectural team selected for Lusail Stadium has recently completed the Saparmurat Turkmenbashi Olympic Stadium for the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, and counts Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and Anfield Stadium among its portfolio.