Kansas City, US-based 360 Architecture is to work with Anwar Soura General Contracting Company on the development of two 30,000-seat soccer stadiums in Iraq.

The design-build team has been appointed by the country's Ministry of Youth and Sport to deliver the venues in Basrah and Najaf, which will also incorporate practice facilities.

Al-Menaa Sports Club is expected to cost US$86m (£53.4m) and aims to reflect Basrah's nautical tradition, located amid parkland and public spaces to link with the local community.

Meanwhile, the US$83.75 (£52m) Najaf Stadium features an Islamic-influenced design and sustainable passive cooling towers to help ensure a "comfortable" concourse area.

George Heinlein, senior principal at 360 Architecture, said: "Though significantly different from each other, the two designs are based on the same philosophy of creating world-class facilities that uniquely fit their function and communities."

The Al-Meena stadium is due for completion in October 2013, although no completion date has yet been set for the Najaf Stadium.

Anwar Soura General Contracting Company and 360 Architecture are also working on the Basrah Sports City development, which will be anchored by a 65,000-seat stadium.

Image: Najaf Stadium