Qatar World Cup Fan Zone Retractable Roof

Scores of football fan zones popped up in cities around the globe for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. These often temporary venues face different challenges depending on where they are in the world; the harsh temperatures of the Middle East in particular, require innovative solutions to deliver a memorable viewing experience.

The Challenge

Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy required a purpose-built structure that could bring the excitement of the 2014 FIFA World Cup to Doha and be adapted into a multi-functional event space after the event had concluded.

A key requirement was to deliver the feel of an open-air stadium while maintaining a comfortable environment, placing vital importance on a retractable roof to maintain immersion.

The Solution

ARX were tasked with developing the retractable roof for this 10,000-capacity structure in Qatar.

When fully deployed, the roof works in tandem with its ground-breaking cooling technology to withstand temperatures exceeding 45°C (113°F), keeping fans safe and comfortable as they enjoy the beautiful game on the country’s then-largest LED panoramic display.

Technical Details

Engineering that’s on the ball

Bespoke tracks suspended from the seven trusses of the frame support eight fabric roof sections, operated individually by our plug-and-play-type power and control system.
These ‘sails’ comprise of seven folds of fabric, which hang from 224 trolleys that are suspended from 32 continuous belts housed inside the tracks
Each fold deploys one by one as the mechanism is operated, with the sails gliding across their working travel at speeds controlled by the operator

A team game

The entire structure can be easily dismantled and erected by a team of non-qualified electricians
Individually-numbered plugs and sockets with coding pins enable foolproof reassembly of all the cables and motors
These design choices show how we simplify assembly and maintenance operations to meet each client’s individual needs and technical ability
Each fold deploys one by one as the mechanism is operated, with the sails gliding across their working travel at speeds controlled by the operator

Safe and resilient Operation, anywhere

Rotary limit switches automatically stop the sails as they reach fully extended and retracted positions
Emergency stop and safety reset mechanisms deliver robust fail-safes
Filters compensating for inconsistent power supplies that can be found in Qatar demonstrate that both national and local standards are taken into account for every project we undertake

Explore more kinetic projects from ARX

Qatar World Cup Fan Zone Retractable Roof

The Challenge

The Solution

Technical Details

Explore more kinetic projects from ARX

Tottenham Hotspur FC Dividing Football Pitch

All England Lawn Tennis Club: Retractable Roofs at Wimbledon

Wembley & Tottenham Hotspur: Retractable Seating