’The design of a maximised transparent roof structure, to create the most optimal micro climate for the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar

Abstract

This report discusses the design analysis process of designing a maximum transparent roof for a stadium in order to create the most optimal semi indoor stadium climate. To conduct such research, the following main question had to be asked: How can a maximised transparent roof for the Khalifa International Stadium (KIS) in Qatar, with efficient use of energy, create an optimal semi indoor climate in extreme summer weather conditions? The research on creating a comfortable microclimate in stadia started in the early eighties, where at the time knowledge in this field was very little. During the nineties, more information came available on creating microclimates in large semi-indoor spaces. Thus academic experimenting began on the quality of air, lighting and acoustics in stadia. This resulted in new stadiums built with new techniques from these academic analyses. In the zeroes one discovered a lot of inconveniences in the findings of the nineties and started to improve the academic research on stadia. With the rise of computers, it was a lot easier to conduct more complex and feasible analyses. Which brings us till today, where climate adaptation with complex forms can be tested and actually be made with the use of new kinds of materials. Because of the help of computers, designs are becoming much easier to predict, which makes us challenge ourselves to design in the most extreme situations where efficient and sustainable engineering can be achieved. Designing a roof for a stadium or a whole stadium gives new insights in different use of materials, smart climate/ structural design and the quality of sustainable building. Designing a roof for the Khalifa International Stadium (KIS) gives a clear insight in the complexity of the structural demands of a stadium and the relevance of climate adaptive building. From a climate till a structural perspective the design has to balance between both disciplines, without exceeding one another’s preconditions. For such roof, a wide range of design and engineering analyses is required. By conducting wind, heat and lighting analyses certain design requirements are imposed. Resulting in an interesting primary structural roof design based on the wind and an interesting secondary structural roof design based on heat and lighting. A roof where climate design meets structural design and vice versa.