Old Doha Prize, Qatar Architecture Award, Architect Residency Competition, Year of Culture

Old Doha Prize Winners 2013

Architecture Competition run by The British Council + Qatar Museums Authority (QMA)

26 Nov 2013

Old Doha Prize Winners

Organisers: The British Council + Qatar Museums Authority (QMA)

UK and Qatar build international links through architecture with The Old Doha Prize

UK Winners of Qatar architecture and urban design charette announced

26th November 2013 – Alicja Borkowska and Iris Papadatou from you&me architects have been announced as the UK winners of the first Old Doha Prize, an architectural competition to redesign part of the old city of Doha in Qatar. The winning team, which also included two local architects, was announced last night following a week long charette which saw promising young British architects and urban designers collaborate with their Qatari counterparts to reimagine the urban landscape of old Doha.

Old Doha Prize winning team:

image from organisers

The competition bought together four teams of architects who worked intensively to develop contextual design responses to address the challenge of regenerating and maintaining the heritage of the city. Both the British and Qatari participants explored Doha’s architectural history and the city’s ambitious plans for the future, sharing skills and their vision for heritage based architecture.

As well as site visits to specific neighborhoods in Old Doha, including special access to key heritage buildings, participants also attended lectures, seminars and dinners with leading local academics, conservationists and planning experts. Together, the Qatari and British architects worked to produce designs to regenerate this piece of the old city centre in a vibrant and sustainable way, learning from the historic street pattern and buildings, whilst incorporating elements of contemporary Qatari design.

The Old Doha Prize has been organised by the British Council and Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) as part of Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture, in association with the Doha Architecture Centre, Msheireb Properties, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Bartlett School of Architecture at University College London.

The winners received a grant of £15,000 to allow the architects to further develop their research and ideas explored as part of the Old Doha Prize design residency. Winning Qatari participants will also be given the opportunity to visit the London Festival of Architecture in the UK in June 2014.

Old Doha Prize participants:

image from organisers

The winning team commented: “We are very pleased to have won and honoured to be a part of the Old Doha Prize. It’s been an intense week but also a fun and very worthwhile experience – we’ve learnt a lot. It’s also exciting to know that we’ve contributed something new and significant to the story of this area and to the city of Doha. We’ve also made real and lasting professional connections between the UK and Qatar and we’re very much looking forward to continuing to work with our teammates on research and future projects. Thank you to all parties involved; truly amazing!”

Martin Hope, Director for the British Council Qatar said: “Since its inception the Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture has worked hard on highlighting and forging existing and new relationships between Qatar and the United Kingdom. By bringing together practicing architects from two different countries, the Old Doha Prize has given people from both cultures the opportunity to share experiences and knowledge through collaboration. This captures a primary objective of the Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture – to create bonds between professionals from the UK and Qatar which last longer than participation in a one-week residency, and beyond the Year of Culture. We have seen wonderful work from all the participants and we say congratulations to the winning team and all those that took part in the Old Doha Prize.”

Aisha Ghanem Al Attiya, spokesperson for Qatar UK 2013 said: “First of all we’d like to congratulate the winning team and everyone for participating in the competition. This competition provides the opportunity for architects from both nations to collaborate on a project which signifies the country’s culture and heritage. Doha is a rapidly growing city and the Old Doha Prize brings together different cultures, perspectives, and concepts with one intention in mind: to redesign Old Doha.”

Tim Makower, Chair of Judges for the Old Doha Prize and principal of Makower Architects in Doha and London said: “We have seen inspirational work from the participants throughout the week demonstrating that the Old Doha Prize has achieved its two main objectives. Firstly collaboration – the sharing of knowledge, skills and insights between UK and Qatari designers. The inclusive and apparently seamless team-work was extraordinary, especially considering that the teams met for the first time less than a week ago. Secondly, the project is provoking debate and raising awareness about the cultural, urbanistic and economic potential of the run-down areas of Old Doha. Although the teams are thinking in excitingly diverse ways about the project, there is a clear consensus that this area holds some of the essence of Qatar’s cultural identity and that as such, it has real value for future generations.”

Old Doha Prize Judging panel:

image from organisers

Celebrating the long-standing relationship between the two countries, Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture aims to forge new and support existing partnerships in the arts, education, sport and science sectors, while promoting awareness and appreciation of each country’s culture, achievements and heritage. The Year is coordinated by Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) and the British Council with the support of the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage and Katara Cultural Village along with Platinum Sponsors Qatargas, Qatar Shell and Vodafone Qatar.

16 Nov 2013

Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture Old Doha Prize

Organisers: The British Council + Qatar Museums Authority (QMA)

UK architects shortlisted for the Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture Old Doha Prize

Five teams of UK architects have been shortlisted to take part in a competition to redesign part of the old city of Doha in Qatar. The competition, known as the Old Doha Prize, is part of the Qatar UK Year of Culture 2013. The Prize provides a unique opportunity for both UK and Qatari architects to develop creative ideas together, and contribute to the future shape of this dynamic Middle Eastern capital city.

image from organisers

The five architect teams will take part in a week long design residency from 17 – 24 November 2013 in Old Doha where they will share skills and innovative concepts with their Qatari counterparts. They will explore the process of regeneration and potential for incorporating the heritage and history of the area into their designs at a time when billions of pounds are being invested to transform Old Doha. The winning team will be awarded the Old Doha Prize and a grant of £15,000, allowing the architects to further develop their research and ideas explored as part of the design residency.

The shortlisted architects are:

• Peter Barry
• Harry Dobbs & Rohilio Escarga of Harry Dobbs Design
• Calvin Chua & Georgios Eftaxiopoulos
• Iris Papadatou & Alicja Borkowska of you&me architecture
• Riccardo Bobisse of AR Urbanism.

The Old Doha Prize is organised by the British Council, Qatar Museums Authority, in association with the Royal Institute for British Architects (RIBA), The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL in the UK, and the Doha Architecture Centre and Msheireb Properties in Qatar. High profile industry specialists from these organisations were also part of the judging panel responsible for selecting the five teams.

Shortlisted participant Harry Dobbs from Harry Dobbs design said “The British Council has initiated a valuable platform for UK practice’s to actively engage in the debate on urban development and cultural heritage within Qatar. We look forward to sharing ideas and proposals with other UK and Qatari architects and designers, and applying our experience and skills to Qatar’s path of rapid urbanisation. We are delighted to add a further facet to our involvement in Qatar, where we recently won the international design competition to design bespoke street furniture for the capital’s city centre.”

Peter Oborn, International Vice President for the RIBA, said: “As supporters of the Old Doha Prize the RIBA was delighted to be a part of the selection panel for UK participants. The applications showed a great breadth of knowledge, approach and quality of response to the subjects of contemporary heritage and urban design. As such, making a final selection as a group made for a challenging task, but encouraged enthusiastic and considered discussions. I very much hope those selected will go on to develop innovative and creative new ideas with their Qatari team mates. The RIBA will continue to be involved with the programme including the residency in Doha this November.”

Graham Sheffield, Director Arts for the British Council and spokesperson for Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture said: “One of the primary objectives of the Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture is to encourage professionals from the UK and Qatar to participate in events that create bonds that continue beyond the Year of Culture. The Old Doha Prize allows UK architects to collaborate and share ideas with their Qatari counterparts. I am sure the design residency will generate exciting ideas for the area, whilst also forging lasting partnerships with the architects involved.”

Tim Makower, Principal of Makower Architects in Doha and London, and Chair of the Old Doha Prize judging panel said: “This is a truly exciting group of participants. The idea of collaborations between UK and Qatari designers exploring places, and lines of thought, which are impossible to predict in advance is part of what it makes the Old Doha Prize so valuable; in anticipation of some fascinating results”

During the design residency in Doha, the teams will be asked to propose an intervention strategy to regenerate a piece of the old city centre. As part of their design response, the teams will be asked to reference the historic street pattern, whilst investigating appropriate elements of contemporary Qatari design. Teams will be assessed on the quality of their exploratory research and proposed design response.

Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture Old Doha Prize – Background Information

Context
Old Doha is under-going significant regeneration and transformation, thanks to several powerful catalysts, including the construction of a new Metro, the Msheireb Project and the 2030 National Vision, making this an exciting time for British architects to be forging connections in Qatar. Msheireb Properties’ flagship regeneration project of the historical downtown of Doha, will alone see £3.65 billon in development invested in this area.

A number of key British based companies including Arup and Allies and Morrison are already working on projects within the Msheireb Project, bringing their experience of working on world class regeneration projects such as the London 2012 Olympic Park to Qatar. These architectural developments in Old Doha aspire to balance regeneration and development to ensure the history of the area is celebrated and maintained.

Qatar has the fastest growing and most stable economy in the Middle East and is using its financial strength to promote social development. Its population has doubled in the last four years and is predicted to double again by 2015. Through its National Vision for 2030, Qatar aims to be an advanced society capable of sustaining its development and providing a high standard of living for all of its people; incorporating long-term strategies for economic, social, human and environmental development. The Old Doha Prize hopes to encourage long lasting ties between British and Qatari architects and designers that will increase the skills of professionals in both countries.

Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture
Qatar UK 2013 is a year-long cultural exchange programme between the United Kingdom and the State of Qatar, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations by creating lasting partnerships between institutions and individuals. Mutual recognition, understanding and appreciation of Qatari and British cultures are cultivated through over 60 entertaining and educational events throughout the year in both nations.

Qatar UK 2013 is coordinated by the British Council and Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) with the support of Platinum Sponsors Qatargas, Shell and Vodafone.

For more information visit us at www.qataruk2013.com
Find us on Facebook facebook.com/QatarUK2013
Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/qataruk2013

Judging process
Applicants, which included students, emerging and interdisciplinary collaborators, as well as more established practices had to have at least two years’ experience and submit up to five examples of key projects representing their approaches. These were then assessed by the judging panel using a grading framework which took into account the applicant’s response to the subject of cultural heritage and contemporary design; how they might benefit from taking part in the programme; what they could offer to their team in the way of experience and knowledge; how well their ideas were presented; and the relevance of their previous work. Submissions from a variety of specialisms, including public realm and urban design, heritage and restoration were received and this diversity is reflected in the selection of successful participants.

Old Doha Prize Shortlist

Shortlisted firms and participants

Riccardo Bobisse
Riccardo Bobisse is an urbanist and Associate at AR Urbanism, with a diverse background enabling him to thrive in projects involving visioning, strategies and delivery plans within complex cultural and built form settings. AR Urbanism are a specialist master planning and urban design studio working on a range of urban regeneration and public realm projects.

The practice has ‘positive place-making’ embedded in its approach to design as well as a focus on collaboration with architects and other consultants to produce healthy town centres and liveable neighbourhoods.
www.ar-urbanism.com

Peter Barry
Peter Barry is a London based architectural consultant and designer with national and international experience. Prior to setting up his UK design practice, studio p, he spent 8 months in East Africa where he consulted on restoration projects in Zanzibar and the Comoro Islands, developing a strong interest in Islamic heritage. His current projects include a contemporary residence in Aldeburgh, Suffolk and the restoration of a nineteenth-century sultan’s palace in the Comoro Islands.

Calvin Chua & Georgios Eftaxiopoulos
Calvin Chua and Georgios Eftaxiopoulos are architects and urbanists trained at the Architectural Association. Questioning and rethinking architecture within contemporary living culture and urbanity, they have won several awards for their projects, including the Wilmotte Foundation Prix W. In addition, they are active in the research and academic field through contributing articles to architectural journals, conducting workshops and teaching at various schools, including the Architectural Association, The Berlage – TU Delft and Istanbul Bilgi University.

Harry Dobbs and Rohilio Escarga
Harry Dobbs and Rohilio Escarga are from Harry Dobbs Design, an award-winning RIBA Chartered Architects and Urban Design practice based in London. Informed by a uniquely integrated approach to urban design, architecture, landscaping, lighting and product design, the practice’s work has been recognised internationally for its innovative and culturally responsive approach to urban regeneration.
www.harrydobbs.com

Iris Papadatou and Alicja Borkowska
Alicja Borkowska and Iris Papadatou are two architects/designers with a strong interest in the public realm and how people shape places. They established the emerging multi-disciplinary architecture platform you&me after studying together at Cambridge and the Royal College of Art. you&me is committed to making things – a postcard, a book, an installation, a building – using playful, challenging and inclusive methodologies. The platform places great emphasis on collaboration, the process, the way we all work with each other and everyone involved in any one project. you&me believe that even the smallest interventions can have a big impact and self-initiation and continuous community participation is fundamental to their approach. You&me: you and us.
www.youandmearchitecture.com

Old Doha Prize Partners

British Council
The British Council creates international opportunities for the people of the UK and other countries and builds trust between them worldwide. We are a Royal Charter charity, established as the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We work in more than 100 countries, and our 7000 staff – including 2000 teachers – work with thousands of professionals and policy makers and millions of young people every year through English, arts, education and society programmes.

Within Architecture, Design and Fashion we develop exhibitions, exchanges, events, workshops, installations and specialist visits in conjunction with our colleagues and partners to create links and connections between designers and cultural institutions around the world. Recent projects include the British Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale, Everything Forever Now, Atlas of the Unbuilt World, 1:1 Architecture Dialogues.

For more information on our work in architecture, design and fashion please visit http://backoftheenvelope.britishcouncil.org/

About Qatar Museums Authority
Qatar Museums Authority connects the museums, cultural institutions and heritage sites in Qatar and creates the conditions for them to thrive and flourish. It centralizes resources and provides a comprehensive organization for the development of museums and cultural projects, with a long-term ambition of creating a strong and sustainable cultural infrastructure for Qatar. Under the patronage of His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamid Al-Thani, and led by its Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, QMA is consolidating Qatar’s efforts to become a vibrant center for the arts, culture and education, in the Middle East and beyond.

Since its foundation in 2005, QMA has overseen the development of the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. Future projects include the Al Zubarah World Heritage Site Visitor Centre opening in 2013 and the launch of the highly anticipated National Museum of Qatar in 2016.

QMA is committed to instigating Qatar’s future generation of arts, heritage and museum professionals. At its core is a commitment to nurturing artistic talent, creating opportunities and developing the skills to service Qatar’s emerging art economy . By means of a multi-faceted program and public art initiatives, QMA seeks to push the boundaries of the traditional museum model, and create cultural experiences that spill out onto the streets and seek to involve the widest possible audiences. Through a strong emphasis on originating art and culture from within and fostering a spirit of national participation, QMA is helping Qatar find its own distinctive voice in today’s global cultural debates.
For further information, please visit www.qma.org.qa

RIBA
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members.
www.architecture.com @RIBA

The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL
The Bartlett School of Architecture Events was established at University College London in 1841 and is now one of the world’s most exciting architecture schools. Its name stands for provocative ideas, boundary-pushing research and high-achieving lecturers and students.
Well known for its rigorous, innovative and experimental approach to architecture, the School attracts staff and students worldwide. Alumni of the School include the directors, partners and founders of some of the most successful architecture practices in the world today, as well as artists, filmmakers, historians, writers, policy-makers, journalists and politicians.

As part of The Bartlett, UCL’s global Faculty of the Built Environment, The Bartlett School of Architecture offers a vibrant centre of exchange for the built environment, acting as an academic, cultural and professional hub where leading research is announced and discussed, lively debates are hosted and encouraged, and innumerable exhibitions, conferences, public talks, screenings and other events all take place.
www.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/architecture

Msheireb Properties
Msheireb Properties is a real estate company and a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation. The company was established as a commercial venture to support the Foundation’s aims as well as the realisation of Qatar’s 2030 Vision.

Msheireb Properties’ mission is to change the way people think about urban living and improve their overall quality of life, through innovations that encourage social interaction, respect for culture, and greater care for the environment.

Msheireb Properties spent three years researching Qatari architecture and numerous approaches to urban planning all over the world with the most respected experts in the industry – in order to realise an architectural language rooted in the best of the past that may be preserved for and by future generations.

The company’s name, Msheireb, means ‘a place to drink water’ and is the historical name of the downtown area of Doha. The company’s corporate identity depicts the mouth of a stone well, a feature of traditional Gulf societies, and its distinct ink effect evokes classical Arabic calligraphy.

Msheireb Properties recently achieved ISO certification from the British Standards Institution for quality (ISO 9001:2008), environmental performance (ISO 14001:2004), and occupational health and safety (BS OHSAS 18001:2007). The company has also earned widespread industry recognition, including at the MIPIM Architectural Review Future Projects Awards in Cannes, France.

Old Doha Prize information / images from The British Council and Qatar Museums Authority (QMA)

24 Jul 2013

Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture Award

Organisers: The British Council and Qatar Museums Authority (QMA)

British Architects invited to be part of Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture Applications sought for the Old Doha Prize – a week long design residency and competition in Qatar

The British Council and Qatar Museums Authority (QMA), on behalf of Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture, are inviting UK architects to be part of Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture by entering the Old Doha Prize – a week long design residency and competition in Doha from 17-24 November 2013.

image from organisers

The Old Doha Prize is organised in association with the Royal Institute for British Architects (RIBA) and The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL in the UK, as well as the Doha Architecture Centre and Msheireb Properties in Qatar. The Prize offers UK architects the unique opportunity to collaborate with their Qatari counterparts; five teams will research and explore new ways to address the changing urban landscape of Old Doha. They will share approaches, skills and creative ideas to explore the process of regeneration and potential for incorporating the heritage and history of the area into their designs.

The winning team will be awarded the Old Doha Prize and a grant of £15,000. The grant will provide the team with the opportunity and resource to implement ideas explored as part of the design residency. This might include the implementation of the project in the form of an exhibition, research project, publication, installation, public intervention or film.

The Old Doha Prize will encourage architects to develop compelling and contemporary ideas in response to Doha’s historic city centre. The brief will focus specifically on the neighbourhoods of Al Asmakh and Najada in the heart of Old Doha, and will be founded on the principle of ‘Living Heritage’. This is the idea that heritage is not something set in history; rather something that continually evolves whilst remaining deeply rooted in the past.

Angela Brady, RIBA President says “The Old Doha Prize provides UK and Qatar based architects and designers a unique opportunity to work together in the spirit of collaboration, experimentation and international learning to help develop sustainable solutions for the long-term regeneration of Old Doha. The rapid development and growth of Qatar coupled with its desire to embrace its ancient Islamic ties and incorporate its unique culture into its surroundings, making it a fascinating area for architecture.”

Tim Makower, Lead Facilitator for the Old Doha Prize and principal of Makower Architects in Doha and London says “The idea for the Old Doha Prize is the coming together of two things both of which are important for the future of architecture and urbanism in Qatar. First, it is the opportunity to raise awareness about the character-rich fabric of the old city which could become the foundation of a ‘Qatari Renaissance’. Second, it is a chance to celebrate and explore how young design talent from Qatar and the UK can work together, and push the boundaries of what it means to respond to the identity of a place and explore how ‘heritage’ can be a springboard into the future as well as being a deep root in the past.”

Graham Sheffield, Director Arts for the British Council and spokesperson for Qatar UK 2013 says “The Old Doha Prize takes place as part of Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture which celebrates the long-standing relationship between the two countries. The programme aims to forge new and support existing partnerships in the arts, education, sport and science, while promoting an awareness and appreciation of each country’s culture, achievements and heritage. This Prize is exactly the kind of cultural exchange we want to promote as part of the Year.”

Aisha Ghanem Al Attiya, spokesperson for Qatar UK 2013 says “With this competition, we join one of the world’s largest design sectors with one of the world’s fastest growing and most ambitious, enriching architects and designers in both nations. While more and more people are taking notice of Doha‘s breath taking modern skyline, they are also discovering that the heritage of art and design in Qatar reaches back many generations.”

How to apply

The ‘Old Doha Prize’ is open to architects with more than two years’ experience. Applicants must have the full support and endorsement of their architecture practice.

Interested architects should submit an Expression of Interest in the format of an A4 PDF portfolio no longer than 10 pages. The submission must include the following mandatory information:

1. Up to five examples of key projects (realised or speculative) that you feel represent your approach.

2. CV of the architect(s) attending.

3. A short statement (in English or Arabic) that will briefly outline why you are applying to take part in the Old Doha Prize and your perspective on the issue of balancing cultural heritage with contemporary design and development. (Max 500 words)

Submissions should be in PDF format and not to exceed 2MB in size. These should be emailed to QatarUK2013_UK@britishcouncil.org by 4pm (GMT) on Thursday 30 August 2013 in the UK and 4pm (GMT) on Sunday 15 September 2013 in Qatar.

For more detailed information about eligibility and how to apply, please visit:
backoftheenvelope.britishcouncil.org/2013/jul/18/applications-sought-old-doha-prize/

Context

Old Doha is under-going significant regeneration and transformation, thanks to several powerful catalysts, including the construction of a new Metro, the Msheireb Project and the World Cup in 2022, making this an exciting time for British architects to be forging connections in Qatar. Msheireb Properties’ flagship regeneration project of the historical downtown of Doha, will alone see £3.65 billon in development invested in this area.

Architectural developments in Old Doha aspire to balance regeneration and development to ensure the history of the area is celebrated and maintained. A number of key British based companies including Arup and Allies and Morrison are already working on projects within the Msheireb Project, bringing their experience of working on world class regeneration projects such as the London 2012 Olympic Park to Qatar.

For further information about Qatar UK 2013 please visit www.qataruk2013.com

Old Doha Prize information / images from The British Council and Qatar Museums Authority (QMA)

Qatar Architecture

Location: Doha, Qatar, The Middle East

Middle East Architecture