Pushing the Envelope with Architecture in Qatar

By: Ehsaan Mesghali

When you dive deep into the realm of advanced architectural design you expect buildings to convey more than just shapes or space. Many of the notable buildings in our recent history have had something to say about the social conditions of enclosed space and have provided some kind of critique of the status quo; some higher meaning that can be arrived at through diagram inspires their form. The exact opposite of that would be a purely sculptural architecture, a building where form is designed to do nothing but be simply spectacular. There are not that many places in the world where eye candy suffices as the driving force for an entire design solution…but Qatar is. We have seen the over the top stadiums, the refined and monumental museums, now we shed light upon a little-known commercial mini tower that is sure to cause plenty of double-takes for all who come near it.

Any mainstream or rock star architect did not design the Al-Hitmi Commercial Development in Qatar, but in fact it was subjected to quite the search to even find out who was commissioned to actually design the building. NORR architects engineers and planners seem to be the culprits, with over 12 different offices around the world it’s quite a surprise they are virtually invisible.

With all that said, the project is actually quite spectacular, and does what its intended to do (make for great pictures). Simply summarized, the site is located on a winding coastal road on the Doha waterfront immediately opposite the new Museum of Islamic Art. From a street perspective two large crystal-like solids hover over the edge, seemingly together at one time yet violently split apart to mark a very clear and evident entry way (a glass Khyber pass if you will). This tectonic-like rift allows for natural light to seep deep into the central gallery beneath during the day, as a floating membrane of triangulated glass serves as the only division between inside and out.

The open and airy nature of the void between the two solids is exaggerated by the dark nature of the blocks. An ominous finish of black strips of granite and tinted glass in staggered patterns reflective of shaved rock, seemingly aiming to exaggerate the scale-less and monumental nature of the blocks. My guesses weren’t quite off, considering the architect’s claim that “the concept for the project was inspired by imagery of stone formations cantilevered over a body of water, to create a metamorphic link to the Persian Gulf.”
The building definitely passes its night test, with colorful illuminations teasing you to explore within, exactly the effect you would desire for a commercial development housing endless boutiques and stores. No reservations are evident in the design of the main gallery, where the entrance gallery at the Al Hitmi currently hangs the largest chandelier in the world. That alone is impressive enough to draw in curious onlookers likes flies. With the World Cup buzz surrounding the lack of any recreational activities for the hundreds of thousands of fans that will flock the city of Doha a short decade from now, the Al Hitmi will definitely keep at some of them busy for a very long time.

All Images courtesy of Al-Hitmi Development