Qatar AC stadium deemed unnecessary
Source: Agencies |
November 9, 2011, Wednesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
QATAR should rethink its plans to build air-conditioned stadiums for the 2022 World Cup and use naturally cooled venues instead, according to the architect commissioned to design one of its arenas.
John Barrow, senior principal with Populous architects who planned and designed the 2012 Olympic Stadium in London and Johannesburg's Soccer City World Cup venue, said it would be viable to reach acceptable temperatures without using air conditioning.
"The organizers want to have the big showcase stadium with air conditioning but we are fighting hard to persuade them that you don't need to have it," he told the International Football Arena conference.
"It's not good from a long term sustainability point of view," said Barrow, whose company are designing the Sports City arena.
The idea of using air conditioned stadiums was the centerpiece of Qatar's successful bid to host the tournament, which is due to be played in summer despite the scorching heat. Ghana's Asamoah Gyan, who is playing for Al Ain in the neighboring United Arab Emirates, has expressed his concerns about the welfare of players in such conditions and thinks air conditioning is the only solution.
"It was difficult when I first got there because of the weather and the climate and everything, but I think in November, December, it is going to get easier," Gyan, who is on loan from Sunderland, said.
John Barrow, senior principal with Populous architects who planned and designed the 2012 Olympic Stadium in London and Johannesburg's Soccer City World Cup venue, said it would be viable to reach acceptable temperatures without using air conditioning.
"The organizers want to have the big showcase stadium with air conditioning but we are fighting hard to persuade them that you don't need to have it," he told the International Football Arena conference.
"It's not good from a long term sustainability point of view," said Barrow, whose company are designing the Sports City arena.
The idea of using air conditioned stadiums was the centerpiece of Qatar's successful bid to host the tournament, which is due to be played in summer despite the scorching heat. Ghana's Asamoah Gyan, who is playing for Al Ain in the neighboring United Arab Emirates, has expressed his concerns about the welfare of players in such conditions and thinks air conditioning is the only solution.
"It was difficult when I first got there because of the weather and the climate and everything, but I think in November, December, it is going to get easier," Gyan, who is on loan from Sunderland, said.
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