What is it about?

Modifying the shape and pitch of a football stadium roof to investigate the impact on the wind speed, wind direction and temperature inside the stadium bowl compared to the external conditions experienced in Qatar in order to achieve an adequate environment to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics, it was proven that a downward-pitched, retractable roof can precondition the Qatari climate to a sufficient temperature and wind speed for a professional football match.

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Why is it important?

The findings offer a unique foundation for further investigative works into the performance of an internal stadium environment despite a harsh external climate. Achieving applications of the theory presented expands the potential for professional football match hosting to a much wider audience, as well as protecting the legacy of stadium construction to ensure an increased return on the investment whilst promoting and supporting the sport following the hosting commitments.

Perspectives

This publication highlights an often-overlooked and yet vital aspect of hosting. Previous FIFA World Cup hosting, namely 2014 in Brazil and 2010 in South Africa, have seen multi-billion dollar investments into the footballing infrastructure that ultimately have fallen into disrepair following the conclusion of the tournament. Ensuring the design and construction of a stadium that can function in the harshest of conditions with a reduced energy demand can assist in promoting the sport beyond the tournament, allowing the prestige of the FIFA World Cup to inspire a country and its population with a now-existing footballing infrastructure to support their growth.

Sam Bonser
Arup Group Ltd

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Investigation of the impact of roof configurations on the wind and thermal environment in football stadiums in hot climates, International Journal of Ventilation, September 2019, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/14733315.2019.1665861.
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