Barracuda Stadium

Arab Private University for Science & Technology

Idea projektu

Saudi Arabia is striving to host an exceptional World Cup in 2034, distinguished by architectural design that combines functionality, beauty, and innovation. The goal is to overcome the high temperatures in Saudi Arabia and ensure the stadium has multiple uses that can be leveraged after the World Cup. This is precisely what the Barracuda Stadium, located west of Jeddah on the Red Sea coast, aims to achieve.
The project's concept begins by abstracting the shape of the barracuda fish, found in the Red Sea. One of the most significant features of the design is its ability to combat high temperatures. It utilizes the Venturi effect, derived from Bernoulli's equations, to create a humid atmosphere inside the stadium. The stadium's shape facilitates the entry of air, which is directed by trees. A dynamically opening and closing window on the southern side of the stadium's roof creates a humid air current at a suitable speed, controlled by the southern opening, so it doesn't affect the sporting event. Winds are directed by trees to collide with a green belt, increasing air humidity.
The cutout section of the stands allows for a platform to host concerts, with the stands' shape directing views towards this platform. Additionally, this cutout area offers views of the sunset before the match begins and creates a sense of openness, allowing for views of urban development through this opening—sights that visitors from other countries will seek to see. This space can also be adapted to increase the stadium's capacity in the future.
It's believed that the audience plays a role in influencing the match's atmosphere. The increased number and height of the stands on the southern side provide space for fan ultras to gather in that area, where they can vocally impact the opposing team's goalkeeper or forward.

Popis projektu

Barracuda Stadium: A Multifunctional Venue
Ground Floor Facilities
The stadium's ground floor is designed with dedicated areas for each team, featuring:
* Private entrances leading to a lobby that includes:
* A warm-up hall
* A training hall
* Ten showers and four restrooms
* Waiting rooms
* Medical examination rooms
* Two administrative offices
* A coach's restroom
* Additionally, the ground floor houses:
* A referees' lounge
* A press room
* A match control room
* A players' tunnel provides direct access to the field for both teams.
The ground floor also includes a VIP section with:
* A main lobby featuring:
* An information desk
* A cloakroom
* Four administrative rooms
* A buffet serving area
* Restroom facilities
* A spacious VIP lounge
* Two storage rooms for equipment and cameras, with direct access to the field for delivery of necessary equipment and media cameras.
* Two staircases dedicated to officials and administrators providing access to the main stands (VIP platform), and also for media personnel and administrators.
Public Access and Commercial Hub
The Barracuda Stadium has six public entrances:
* Two entrances on the north side allow for ticket purchase outside and direct access to the stands via staircases.
* The other four entrances each include a lobby with:
* An information desk
* Ticket sales points
* Retail shops selling jerseys
* Restrooms and cafes are conveniently located near these entrances.
The stadium can also be considered a commercial center due to a large number of retail shops, restaurants, and cafeterias located beneath the stands. Some of these facilities can even be used as wedding halls and other investable spaces on the first and second floors.

Technické informace

The project is based on two structural systems: a reinforced concrete frame system and a steel structural system for the roof.
The stands are made of reinforced concrete supported by concrete columns. Seats for the public are fixed onto these stands.
The external cladding, which covers the structure, is a steel framework. A metal wall surrounds the mass, forming the stadium's envelope along with the roof. This metal wall, which acts as a shell for the stands and facades, consists of load-bearing steel columns with spans of up to 720 cm, framed by secondary beams and tie beams that constitute the metal structure of the stadium's outer envelope.
The vertical steel structure forming the walls connects with the roof over the stands via a peripheral steel beam. This beam connects to a set of secondary beams and a central peripheral beam. They are also linked with metal connecting joints that help secure the beams to each other. This framework also supports the cladding layer, which is made of ACP (Aluminum Composite Sandwich Panel). This material is considered the most suitable due to its ease of being formed into the desired shape, its sustainability, and its long lifespan. White opaque glass is placed within the openings.