Urban Design and Landscape

Sport city

Qusai Mohammed ALqufaili
Saba University - Department of Technical Engineering
Yemen

Project idea

?️ **Project Concept – Sports City in Sana’a**

The **Sports City in Sana’a** project aims to create an integrated urban environment that embodies the concepts of **sports, sustainability, and local identity**, inspired by the symbolic form of the **Yemeni coffee tree**, which represents authenticity, growth, and deep roots in the land.

The design concept reflects the connection between **humans and nature**, where the project components — the main stadium, sports facilities, public spaces, and service buildings — are organically arranged based on the **branching structure of the coffee tree**. The root symbolizes the project’s core (the main stadium), while the branches extend outward, linking all parts in visual and functional harmony.

The design blends **modern architectural language** with the **local character of Sana’a**, using natural materials and colors inspired by the Yemeni environment. It also integrates **sustainable strategies**, such as natural lighting, ventilation, and solar energy systems.

The **main stadium** serves as the vibrant heart of the project, designed with a flexible capacity to host various sports and cultural events, ensuring comfort, accessibility, and optimal viewing experiences.

Ultimately, the Sports City represents a **harmonious fusion of Yemeni identity, modern technology, and human-centered design**, creating a landmark that reflects progress and belonging.

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Project description

### ?️ **Project Components – Sports City in Sana’a**

The project is designed as an integrated **sports and recreational complex** that serves athletes, visitors, and the local community. It consists of the following main components:

#### **1. Main Stadium**

* Central element of the project inspired by the “root” of the coffee tree.
* Designed to host football matches and large-scale events.
* Includes VIP lounges, player facilities, media center, locker rooms, and seating areas for spectators.
* Capacity adaptable for both national and international competitions.

#### **2. Indoor Sports Hall**

* Multipurpose arena for basketball, volleyball, handball, and indoor training.
* Equipped with spectator seating, administrative offices, and service areas.

#### **3. Olympic Swimming Complex**

* Indoor and outdoor pools for training and competitions.
* Includes spectator stands, changing rooms, and recreational pool areas.

#### **4. Outdoor Sports Fields**

* Secondary football fields, tennis courts, and running tracks.
* Designed for training, youth academies, and community use.

#### **5. Fitness and Health Center**

* Modern gymnasium, yoga and aerobics halls, and physiotherapy units.
* Connected to a health and wellness clinic for athletes.

#### **6. Sports Academy & Training Center**

* Educational and training facilities for young athletes.
* Includes classrooms, lecture halls, and research spaces focused on sports science.

#### **7. Administrative and Management Buildings**

* Offices for sports associations and management teams.
* Conference rooms and meeting spaces.

#### **8. Commercial and Recreational Zone**

* Shops, cafés, restaurants, and exhibition spaces related to sports and culture.
* Designed as a social hub for visitors and athletes.

#### **9. Green Areas and Public Plazas**

* Landscaped gardens and open spaces inspired by the natural form of coffee branches.
* Provide shaded walkways, relaxation zones, and outdoor gathering areas.

#### **10. Parking and Service Areas**

* Underground and surface parking for visitors and staff.
* Service roads, maintenance facilities, and security checkpoints.

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**Design Concept Summary:**
The master plan organizes these elements in an organic composition reflecting the **structure of the coffee tree**, ensuring **connectivity, harmony, and balance** between all functions — combining **sport, culture, and environment** in a unified architectural vision.

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Technical information

## ⚙️ **Technical Specifications – Sports City in Sana’a**

### **1. General Specifications of the Sports City**

| **Category** | **Description** |
| --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Project Type** | Integrated Sports and Recreational Complex |
| **Location** | Sana’a, Yemen – near Sana’a International Airport |
| **Site Area** | Approximately 45–60 hectares *(adjust depending on your actual data)* |
| **Total Built-up Area** | Around 250,000 – 300,000 m² |
| **Design Inspiration** | The organic form and symbolism of the Yemeni Coffee Tree |
| **Main Functions** | Stadium, Sports Academy, Indoor Halls, Swimming Complex, Fitness Center, Commercial & Recreational Zone |
| **Urban Character** | Modern architecture inspired by local Yemeni identity and vernacular patterns |
| **Building Heights** | 1–3 floors (varies by function) |
| **Structural System** | Reinforced concrete frames with steel roof structures in major halls |
| **Materials** | Natural stone cladding, glass façades, aluminum panels, and local materials reflecting Yemeni textures |
| **Sustainability Features** | Solar panels, natural ventilation, rainwater collection, green roofs, and shading systems |
| **Circulation** | Hierarchical pedestrian and vehicular networks; accessible pathways connecting all components |
| **Landscape Concept** | Dynamic green belts and plazas inspired by the branching structure of the coffee tree |
| **Capacity (overall)** | Estimated 25,000–30,000 users per day including visitors, athletes, and staff |

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### **2. Technical Specifications of the Main Stadium**

| **Category** | **Description** |
| ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Type** | Multipurpose National Stadium |
| **Capacity** | 25,000 – 35,000 spectators *(adjust per your design)* |
| **Field Dimensions** | 105m × 68m (FIFA standard football pitch) |
| **Stands Configuration** | Lower and upper tiers with VIP and media sections |
| **Structure System** | Reinforced concrete base with lightweight steel truss roof system |
| **Roof Coverage** | Approximately 70% of seating area, designed for sun and rain protection |
| **Surface Type** | Natural grass or hybrid turf meeting FIFA standards |
| **Facilities** | Player locker rooms, referee rooms, press conference halls, VIP lounges, media center, and medical unit |
| **Lighting System** | LED floodlight system providing 1,200 lux on the field (HD broadcast standard) |
| **Sound System** | Integrated digital sound and announcement system |
| **Scoreboard** | LED giant screens on both sides of the field |
| **Safety & Access** | Emergency exits, fire protection systems, CCTV surveillance, and accessible routes |
| **Parking Capacity** | Approx. 2,000 vehicles (underground + surface) |

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### **3. Design Objectives**

* To create a **national landmark** that reflects Yemen’s identity and passion for sports.
* To promote **sustainability and environmental awareness** through eco-friendly design.
* To provide an **inclusive environment** for all users — professionals, students, and the public.
* To integrate **architecture, landscape, and technology** into one harmonious urban experience.

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