Fast-track design and build of a FIFA compliant stadium - The Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain/U.A.E.

Al Ain has one of the most important and successful soccer clubs in the U.A.E. The new Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium shall be the new civic landmark of Al Ain. The geometry of the roof is developed in order to provide full shading over the field of play and the stands for every day in the year after 5:45 pm - reducing the solar energy gains during events to a minimum but allowing natural turf to grow. The striking roof geometry consists of a primary steel structure with a PVC/PES membrane cladding. The exterior palm bole façade consists of a steel diagrid structure with 612 individual orientated PTFE/Glass membrane panels to achieve maximum shading but also to allow possible views from the inside. The membrane panels in combination with the primary steel structure is a homage to the palm bole - an emblem of the Oasis of Al Ain. A modular system has been developed in order to rationalize the façade and cladding system and to reduce the construction time as much as possible. The article describes how this FIFA compliant stadium has been designed and build in just 18 months.