Schiattarella Associati, a leading Italian architectural firm, has won a project to oversee a major renovation of King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, commissioned by the General Sport Authority (GSA).

The scope of work includes renovating most parts of the stadium to help accommodate almost 50,000 spectators.

The Italian group won the contract beating competition from five other architectural firms, said a company spokesman.

Partners Amedeo and Andrea Schiattarella’s design proposal introduces shapes and volumes that not only are integrated into the existing architecture but enhance the value of the stadium itself.

The design calls for an artificial hill at the base of the stadium which will link the ground level to the concourse level, where all the bleachers are installed.

By highlighting the “veils” of the canopy, which is an iconic urban landmark in Riyadh, the artificial landscape fulfils the task of introducing another element, perfectly coherent within the context of allocating new spaces, it says.

Underneath the hill there will be parking facilities for almost 1,000 vehicles, and access areas to the West Stand will be built in line with Fifa standards.

Between the hill and the stadium, a green area will facilitate natural light to brighten the entrances, and act as a “filter” between the stadium and parking lots.

The GSA is expected to tender the project shortly.