The China-based China International Marine Container (CIMC) is building the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium in Qatar for the 2022 Fifa World Cup. The seven-storey stadium will consist of 990 modular containers and will be completed in June of 2020.

It will be the first time in the world that a stadium of this scale has been built of modular containers. It will also be the first “green stadium” that is detachable and recyclable in the history of the Fifa World Cup.

Each one of the 990 modular containers is about 6×2.5×2.5 m (L×W×H). After being designed and decorated with different colours and patterns at the time of on-site assembly, the sample container is furnished with a well-outfitted bathroom, tangerine inner wall, black partition and champagne gold hall, which looks like a modern hotel.

Explaining how the structure will be built, project manager Wang Fei says, after the site is selected, the framework of the entire stadium is constructed with a steel structure. Then, containers are put in place like Lego building blocks, and finally finishing work is carried out. The prefabricated modular structure makes it possible to use less material and reduces waste and emissions, while  saving three years on the construction process, he says.

This apart, it also addresses the hassle of putting a stadium into further use after an international event. This stadium is a detachable, modular building, so it can be reused in other places and be pieced together into several small venues.

The modules can even be completely converted into affordable housing or refugee housing, he says.