Architecture studio Populous has revealed plans to replace the tent-like canopy sheltering King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Populous is set to expand the capacity of the stadium, which opened in 1987 and is the home of the Saudi Arabia national football team, to 70,000 seats.
The renovation will include the replacement of the stadium's statement roof canopy, which, according to the studio, has reached the end of its lifespan.
Supported by a new system of structural masts, a new 36,000-square-metre cable-net canopy will be added to shade the stadium's seating.
"To preserve the heritage and iconic silhouette of the stadium as a landmark on Riyadh's skyline, a new system of structural masts will be installed," the studio said.
"These will be capable of supporting the full load-bearing requirements of modern entertainment events."
"This project not only brings a beloved venue into the 21st century, but does so in a way that minimises environmental impact while preserving the stadium's legacy for future generations of Saudi spectators to create unforgettable memories," global director Shireen Hamdan said.
The proposal will also see the stadium's capacity expanded through the addition of a lower tier seating area. This will be created by excavating 10 metres into the ground.
According to the studio, the excavated soil will be used to shape new landscaped areas and training grounds set within a new expansive park surrounding the stadium.
Other public spaces set to be added to the park include a sports centre, amphitheater, football pitches and shops.
Renders of the proposal reveal the stadium's tent-like canopy fronted with patterned facades framed by the surrounding park's undulating landscape.
Within the stadium, a new cooling strategy developed by Populous is set to be implemented to "enhance spectator comfort".
This will function through a series of deployable terrace covers that will reflect sunlight and prevent heat absorption during the day.
According to the studio, this strategy is capable of lowering the temperature of the stadium's concrete seating by up to eight degrees celsius.
"There is no one-size-fits-all solution to sustainable design – each project is unique and requires a tailored approach," Hamdan said.
"The King Fahd Sports City Stadium showcases how design strategies, materials, technologies and construction methods all play a role."
The King Fahd Sports City Stadium is one of 15 stadiums being built or updated for the 2034 World Cup.
Populous is also behind the design for the King Salman International Stadium, which will be the country's largest stadium and is set to host the World Cup final.
Last year, it was reported that a migrant worker died while working on the country's Aramco stadium. The event's human right assessment has also been criticised by multiple human rights groups, including Amnesty International, in regards to workers conditions.
The renders are courtesy of Populous.