Cape Argus E-dition

Temporary World Cup venue made out of shipping containers welcomed

ESHLIN VEDAN

THERE are many flaws with the 2022 World Cup. It has created an erratic calendar with the World Cup due to start in November for the first time compared to its usual June-July period.

Some have also questioned the ethics of staging the event in Qatar due to alleged human rights violations in the Gulf nation.

Nevertheless, one of the progressive aspects is Stadium 974, a temporary venue made from 974 recycled shipping containers that will be dismantled after the World Cup. This will be the first time in history that a temporary venue is used for a World Cup and hopefully not the last.

“Our original idea was actually inspired by a lego set and we eventually decided to use shipping containers and recycled steel for the stadium. These elements can both be recycled after the tournament if necessary,” said Stadium 974 precinct director, Mohammed Al Mulla.

The central location of Stadium 974 in Qatar will make it easily accessible.

“The stadium is situated near Doha port, Hamad international airport and Doha airport. It will be the first stadium fans see when they arrive in Qatar. In more ways than one, it can be regarded as a gateway to the country,” added Al Mulla.

Realistically, only a few of the stadiums that South Africa built for the 2010 World Cup have been worthwhile.

The stadiums are simply too costly for local professional clubs to use on a regular basis and have sadly become white elephants which are only put to good use a few times per year.

The cost to maintain most of the stadiums simply outweighs the income they generate for occasional events.

Had the technology and innovation existed for temporary stadiums in the mid-2000s, it is something that South Africa should have considered.

Stadium 974 got its name from the number of shipping containers that were used to build it and moreover, 974 is the dialling code for Qatar.

More intriguing is the fact that Stadium 974 will be the only World Cup Stadium to not utilise Advanced Cooling Tech which the others will use to keep stadium temperatures stable.

Given its design, it will be naturally ventilated due to its positioning close to the sea front. The stadium uses modular elements. This reduced waste generated during production of stadium components and waste created during construction as well as the time needed for construction.

METRO

en-za

2022-06-26T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-06-26T07:00:00.0000000Z

http://capeargus.pressreader.com/article/281736978135418

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