Planning and Architecture A series of decisions regarding the design guidelines were based on objectives of expressing the local culture, providing facilities that meet international standards including those of international sports governing committees like International Olympic Committee (IOC), International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) and FIFA.

The stadium had to stand out and be identifiable from far and hence a design feature had to be created, which was functional as well. The stadium concept design was to create something that would present a strong and clearly identifiable image.

After going through the initial discussion stages the master plan and the design were worked upon and the final plan arrived at.
The stadium thus became the climax of the circulation spine that passes through the site, east to west. It unites the major facilities with an arched roof structure over its west stand providing a dramatic terminating feature that floats over the facility creating a spectacular silhouette effect.

The icon feature is the main arch with a tensile fabric roof structure over the west stand and the lighting arch spanning over the east stand designed for a minimalist approach without forfeiting its actual function. This also complements a prominent feature of the stadium that rises above the surrounding landscape in a curve creating a vibrant contrast against the clear bright sky.

The refurbished and newly constructed west stand was integrated to form a cohesive design solution. The existing structure of the lower west stand seating bowl and the east stand set the overall design parameters. The west stand after refurbishment comprises of six levels on two tiers at the centre of which are the Emiri and VIP facilities. Totally the seating capacity of the stadium is an astounding 50,000.

A new spectator upper seating bowl stand was added at the west stand, with access through two public circular ramp towers while the access to the existing lower seating bowl in the west and east stands was improved through a series of gates. The ground floor includes all the sports and event facility required by the participating teams or organisers as changing rooms, media rooms and administrative amenities.

The stadium circulation and traffic management demonstrates an exceptional aspect of the design where the optimum operating conditions were taken into account. The VIP, athletes, media and officials all have secure and private access to their designated areas in the west stand, which is separate and discrete from spectator entry points.

Undisturbed circulation space is provided for easy flow of traffic. VIP facilities provided at the west stand emanate an extravaganza in sports facilities with dedicated banqueting facilities, reception areas, and other multi-purpose halls along with state of the art services and conveying systems.

The main access for service and operation is provided around the entire stadium via the main street level concourse, which constitutes a secured spine for all users.

The majority of spectator services and amenities, including washrooms are also located along the various levels of the concourse. Access for special needs is also provided at selected areas in the west stand.
Separate warm-up areas for football and athletics are connected to the main stadium with an underground tunnel. There are 25 access gates within the stadium for entry and exit.
Life safety aspects and parameters are designed in accordance with the international requirements of NFPA 101 Life Safety Code which will ensure that the facility is safe for all users using passive and active controls to contain emergencies and conduct quick evacuation. Technology and Construction A Building Management System, BMS, controls all the vital systems and services within the facility and enables the optimum operation throughout the whole facility.
The interior lighting systems are all designed as energy saving systems with dimming facility in the VIP areas.
Closed Circuit TV systems are strategically located inside and outside the facility for general monitoring and security control through a Central Monitoring Station where periodic information is screened and stored. There is a public address and intercom systems for communication between athletes and their coaches. Synchronized clocks for precise and uniform timing, sports lighting of the highest standards and TV network applicable requirements for broadcasting, event lighting with various programmed themes to suit each event, LED units along the arches in addition to the feature lighting and sky tackers to accentuate the architectural appeal by night and during any event all are special features of the arena which makes it stand apart.

Apart from all this is the media information and display system with two state-of-the-art semi-circular scoreboards, provided at the north and south ends of the stadium that complements the architecture of the stadium. The elevation of the stadium is equally striking with red Alucobond cladding and dynamic art forms adorning the front side of the stadium.
So as one awaits the Asian Games, the Khalifa Stadium with its curved arches and dynamic structure will be one of the star players – an architectural one aspiring to international acclaim.