Started: 2008
Completed: 2009
Client: Ministry of Sport, Iraq

The Stadium’s form is a simple drum finished in deep coloured stone, with horizontal slots rhythmically forming a constant pattern around the ‘drum’ and across the roof. A number of the slots will be filled with translucent fabric to shelter the participants and spectators from the sun. Other slots will be left open to encourage natural wind currents and convection to draw air through the structure to cool the central arena space.

The planning meets or exceeds FIFA’s criteria for international soccer events and is easily convertible to meet the Olympic requirements of other IAAF sports. Due to the location we have also used our knowledge to facilitate a safe environment for the whole park and reduce the carbon produced by the building.

The raised drum will form the centre of the larger site for Basra Sports City, with its lines defining the surrounding landscape. These orientation lines, formed from palm trees, and additional structures, focus on the Stadium, other individual sports facilities and facilities such as the Media Centre.
DownloadBasra Stadium – Project Data SheetSee AlsoStadio