Grimshaw wins competition to build sports facilities for Qatar
Grimshaw Architects has been selected to design new recreational sports facilities in Doha, following an international competition backed by the Qatar Olympic Committee.
Despite recent allegations of corruption linked to the Qatar 2022 World Cup, Grimshaw's design aims to move away from this and focus on the health and wellness needs in Doha, by providing a haven for Qataris whose current sports participation is somewhat limited.
Grimshaw’s mission was twofold when designing the Al Farjan Recreational Sports Facilities. Funded by the Qatar Olympic Committee, the goal of the project is “to enrich the social activities of the area and promote the culture of sport to the public”. The overall design will include sports fields, landscaping and amenities, an outdoor children’s playground as well as a social hub and cafe.
The site, which will be approximately 37,514sq m (122,749sq ft) has been masterminded to work as a kit of separate components, which can then be deployed anywhere within the country. Centred on a social hub with fabric canopies providing much needed shade – the landscaped space is highly accessible with informal public areas – the design should facilitate inclusion as well as health and wellbeing through the sporting aspects.
Speaking to The Architects’ Journal, Keith Brewis, a partner at Grimshaw, commented: “This project provides an opportunity for Qatar to encourage all its residents to lead healthy lifestyles.” Further details of the project have yet to be announced, however, the development indicates that health and wellbeing is climbing the political agenda in Qatar.


Lagula Arquitectes designs new wellness centre for PGA Catalunya golf resort in Spain

Vietnam: Noor Design completes Adrian Zecha's first Azerai beach resort

Christian Lachel appointed chief creative officer at BRC Imagination Arts

Work completed on iconic M+ museum designed by Herzog & de Meuron’s in Hong Kong

Alta Capital Real Estate launches new fund targeting hospitality developments focused on sustainability and wellness

Langham to open beachfront hotel and TCM spa inside Chad Oppenheim's glimmering crystalline towers

Sordo Madaleno and Alejandro Escudero create Sha Wellness Clinic and residences in Mexico

'Oscars Museum' to host programme of virtual events ahead of September 2021 opening

Kerzner unveils new fitness-focused hospitality brand dedicated to health and wellbeing

Design Museum Everywhere launches diversity training programme

Snøhetta reveals reinvented Kon-Tiki Museum – due to open in 2025

Bjarke Ingels-designed Oakland baseball stadium a step closer

London's Battersea Power Station prepares for major launch

Weiss/Manfredi and Reed Hilderbrand reveal US$250m redevelopment for Longwood Gardens, Philadelphia

Baca Architects submits scheme for floating eco-wellness resort

MVRDV reveal ambitious plans to create Marble Arch visitor attraction for London

Coventry's former IKEA building slated to become arts and cultural centre of international importance

World's first entirely wooden stadium approved for use by EFL

Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter and ASP Architecture create hidden nature retreat inspired by hygge and Nordic hospitality

Zaha Hadid’s Opus building houses spa designed by The Wellness

Meow Wolf creates mind-blowing Las Vegas attraction – Omega Mart

BRC selected to design new World Food Center – will explore sustainability and global food supply

Ritz-Carlton Reserve opens with luxury spa at Japanese alpine ski resort

Scott Brownrigg-designed Museum of Military Medicine in Cardiff given planning approval

Work starts on US$898m e-sports arena in Shanghai

Gyms added to the mix for new super-luxe retail roll-out

OMA designs Miami Beach's ReefLine – a seven mile-long underwater sculpture park

Ole Scheeren and Shigeru Ban team up to design art and cultural destination in Hangzhou

FIFA files criminal complaint over funding of €459m world football museum
