The Jeddah Superdome, a genuinely stunning venue suitable for numerous sports, is situated in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. During the trying times of COVID-19, Losberger De Boer constructed it. Sleekly finished on May 30, 2021, and inaugurated on June 9, 2021, three days ahead of schedule, the more than forty thousand-seat structure was presented. It is notable because, according to Guinness World Records, it is the biggest dome that has ever been created continuously.
Also remarkable are the dimensions of Jeddah Superdome, with a diameter of 210 metres (690 feet) and a height of 46 metres (151 feet). An area of 34,636 square metres is covered with its large footprint while its surface measurement stands at 39,753 square metres; it accommodates parking for about 5200 vehicles.
Jeddah Superdome has hosted numerous significant local and international events including major conferences, exhibits sporting events as well as various cultural gatherings. It signifies the ambitious ‘Saudi Vision 2030’ aimed at improving trade within Saudi Arabia and boosting tourism & cultural activities.
Conceptual Planning:
The leading Saudi event management company, Sela Sports, awarded Losberger De Boer the contract in February 2020 to build the dome at the Jeddah Superdome. The Losberger De Boer in-house design team and consultancy Geometrica collaborated closely with the Saudi Royals to develop the Jeddah Superdome idea. There are no inner columns at all in the 210-metre-span dome.
The plan was to construct a massive geodesic dome for the city to break existing records. Construction started in February 2020 after the concept design was authorised in January. The client changed the intended time frame due to the epidemic and the subsequent constraints imposed by Saudi Arabia’s government and regulatory organisations.
The dome is supported by a nearly 80-ring ring beam support system composed of over 8,500 aluminium connection nodes, about 37,000 steel tubes, and 326 tonnes of steel for the walls, doors, PVC covering, and structure rings. The construction, comprising the PVC membrane, steel purlins, and dome steel, weighs more than 1,600 tons. The height of the dome’s centre is 46 metres.
According to the client, Sela Sports Company, the Jeddah Superdome is the most extravagant place for occasions in Saudi Arabia. Despite being the largest structure ever, the Jeddah Superdome is replicable, meaning its size can be changed to accommodate the client’s needs or the available area. After being finished quite quickly, the Jeddah Superdome is now operational, ready for events, and open for business.
Construction:
Each section of the Jeddah Superdome was constructed meticulously, starting from the outer ring and moving ring by ring toward the peak. It’s vital to point out that while the building was going on, there was a whole self-supporting structure without any kinds of supports like scaffolding or prop towers. Thanks to this unique technology invented by Geometrica which not only quickened down the design process but also allowed for local production of parts hence making it more efficient in terms of construction.
Most of the dome’s frame was constructed on-site in a facility specifically designed for that purpose by Losberger De Boer to adhere to the updated deadlines and maintain the progress of the construction project. The company also bought components from suppliers barely impacted by transportation interruptions and manufacturing facility closures to lessen the likelihood of supply chain delays.
Roof system:
The most remarkable thing about it is that no matter what happens in the outside world with regards to rain or shine, everything is still happening inside. It had four moving parts that functioned as ventilators by letting air in and out, hence controlling both temperature and light levels. Therefore, when it’s done completely, it becomes a perfectly sealed area which can control surrounding temperature variations. Some of the light, as well as powerful components constituting each part of this roof, includes aluminium and fibre-reinforced plastics. The lowest and middle levels of the stadium’s three tiers of seats are set up in a horseshoe-shaped pattern around the playing field. The stadium has press, VIP, media, and hospitality suites.
First Event at the Superdome.
The Makkah Region Digital Projects Exhibition was fortunate enough to be the inaugural event of the most significant freestanding dome in the world. The show, which lasted for a week, focused on the advancements made in the western region of Saudi Arabia, with particular attention on real estate, infrastructure, entertainment, technology, and historical site restoration. The Emirate of Makkah Province organised the week-long exhibition opened by Makkah Governor Prince Khaled Al-Faisal and his deputy, Prince Badr bin Sultan. Digital slideshows showcased the province’s achievements and highlighted over 100 regional development projects from the past 14 years.
Prince Khaled Al-Faisal honoured some of the medical staff in the area and nine Makkah Excellence Award winners for their valiant efforts in containing the coronavirus epidemic during the inaugural event.
References:
- What’s On Saudi Arabia (2022). Jeddah SuperDome: Say hello to the largest freestanding dome in the world [Online]Available at: https://whatsonsaudiarabia.com/2021/06/jeddah-super-dome-largest-freestanding-dome/ [Accessed July 22, 2024]
- Guinness World Records (no date). Largest dome with a continuous roof [Online] Available at: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/628908-largest-dome-with-a-continuous-roof [Accessed July 22, 2024]
- PR Newswire: press release distribution, targeting, monitoring, and marketing (2021). Jeddah Superdome features site-made Geometrica structure [Online] Available at: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jeddah-superdome-features-site-made-geometrica-structure-301316120.html [Accessed July 23, 2024]
- Construction Week (2021). Losberger De Boer delivers Jeddah Superdome ahead of time – Construction Week Online [Online] Available at: https://www.constructionweekonline.com/projects-tenders/272965-losberger-de-boer-delivers-jeddah-superdome-ahead-of-time [Accessed July 23, 2024]
- International Achievement Awards (2021). Jeddah Superdome [Online] Available at: https://iaa.textiles.org/awards/jeddah-superdome/ [Accessed July 24, 2024]
- Jeddah Superdome, the Stadium in Jeddah with Infinite Events (2023). Jeddah Superdome, the Stadium in Jeddah with Infinite Events [Online] Available at: https://www.houseoftours.com/presse/holidayblog/travel-trends/jeddah-superdome-saudi-arabia [Accessed July 24, 2024]
