Since their invention and standardization in the mid-20th century, metallic containers have optimized shipping transportation, ushering in a new era of global logistics and commercial exchange. Later on, new approaches to architectural seriation and the recycling of industrial components encouraged the reuse of these functional storage units in civil works. All of these factors, along with others like shorter construction time, a low ecological footprint, and the potential reversibility led to the design of Stadium 974 for Qatar 2022 World Cup, which codifies each one of the elements used – including its 974 containers – to ensure they can be taken apart and converted into up to five sports facilities.  

The stadium goes up by the main port of the capital of Qatar. This location inspired a ‘facadeless’ construction using 974 recycled shipping containers to favor natural ventilation and reduce the need for climate control systems.

The project gives a new value to the characteristic chromatic palette of ports and transport centers, associating the bright colors of shipping containers to the different functional programs of the stadium, making them recognizable for spectators.

Each one of the elements used have followed a stringent standardization process to later be codified and identified – by section, level or orientation – and to make tasks such as transportation, storage, and assembly easier.

The stadium’s structure is designed as a huge meccano, following principles of seriation with prefabricated slabs and metal supports; reversibility, using screwed or dry joinery; and sustainability, using recycled steel.

All the elements follow the ‘plug and play’ strategy that permits their prefabrication – even the interior installations and finishes are built in a workshop – and later connection to the general net, allowing in this way to reduce construction time and cost.

Once the Qatar World Cup is over it will be possible to take the stadium apart entirely and move it to a different location or adapt it to other events. Venues such as athletics tracks, sports centers or swimming pools have been designed with the same components.

Photos: Fenwick Iribarren Architects