Marrakech – Spanish architectural firm Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos has unveiled its design for the Grand Stade de Casablanca, officially known as the Hassan II Stadium, located in Benslimane, Morocco.
The stadium will serve as one of the main venues for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos was one of seven international architecture firms selected to participate in the design competition alongside Herzog & De Meuron, Zaha Hadid Architects, Foster + Partners, HPP Architekten, GMP Architects, and Populous.
The same company had previously released a proposed design for the Casablanca stadium years ago, after Morocco submitted its bid to host the 2026 World Cup but lost the competition to the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
In a video posted on their YouTube channel, Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos showcased their design for the stadium, which was ultimately not selected.
On their website, the firm stated, “From Cruz y Ortiz, we understood the project of the new stadium as a symbol of Morocco, combining elements of its history with technological advances. The walls, inspired by traditional kasbahs, contrast with a light and technological roof.”
The Spanish firm’s design envisioned the sports facilities on platforms at different levels, integrated into the natural slope of the terrain.
This arrangement would have allowed for vehicle access without ramps and facilitates the independence of the various uses.
The stadium, which complies with FIFA and UEFA regulations, would have accommodated 125,000 spectators, potentially making it the largest capacity stadium in the world.
Earlier this week, Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron also revealed their proposed conceptual design for the Hassan II Stadium, after losing the bid.
The winning design was submitted by a consortium led by architects Oualalou + Choi and Populous.
The Grand Stade de Casablanca will have a seating capacity of 115,000 and will be a key venue for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, jointly organized by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain.
Construction preparations are underway on a 100-hectare site in El Mansouria, 38 kilometers north of Casablanca, following the approval of public financing in October 2023.
Morocco is also betting on this stadium to host the World Cup final.
Read also: Fouzi Lekjaa: Morocco Is Well Positioned to Host Key Matches in 2030 World Cup
