Visiting Qatar For The FIFA 2022 World Cup? Make Sure To Visit These 9 Architectural Wonders!
26 Nov 2022, Read Time : 8 Min
Visiting Qatar For The FIFA 2022 World Cup? Make Sure To Visit These 9 Architectural Wonders!
“Qatar” is the word of the month, and every second person is discussing it – after all, they are the hosts of the FIFA 2022 World Cup! From being accused of corruption and human rights violations to banning alcohol – let’s take a look at this small Arab nation that has taken the world by storm due to its unconventional approach to one of the world’s biggest sporting festivals.
So, a quick refresher: Qatar is a small country situated in Western Asia. It is situated on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula and is close to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and UAE. The capital city of Doha is home to 80% of the country’s population and is home to various architectural wonders, including the stellar stadiums made for the World Cup. These architectural marvels are a must-visit for everyone visiting Qatar.
9 Of The Most Stunning Architectural Attractions In Qatar
1) National Museum Of Qatar
Source: Elle Decor
The National Museum o Qatar is a sight to behold. Said to be inspired by the “desert rose”, a beautiful crystal formation found in deserts, this beautiful building has been designed by Jean Nouvel, a recipient of the Pritzker Prize.
The stunning design has multiple interlocked disks and is made using super steel to support its irregular design. The irregularly shaped galleries in the building chronicle the past and present of Qatar’s rich history.
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Built on an artificial off the coast of Doha, the Museum of Islamic Art is an iconic building designed by another Pritzker Prize-winning architect I.M. Pei, renowned designer of the famous glass pyramid in Louvre, Paris. The inspiration behind this iconic structure is the Sabil, or the ablution fountain found in the Mosque of Ahmad Ibn Tulun, a structure built in the 9th century in Cairo, Egypt.
The architecture of this building showcases plenty of traditional Islamic patterns, such as domes, arches, geometric patterns and water features, paired with modern architectural features, such as sleek and straight lines. The best part of this building is a glass wall on the north end of the structure that provides a stunning view of the Arabian Gulf from all five storeys of the building.
The stunning interior has a central atrium that is surrounded by galleries displaying Islamic art from various time periods and locations.
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3) Qatar National Library
Source: Tripadvisor
The modern-looking building above was designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhas. While designing the building, high priority was placed in creating a shape that gives way to a large interior along with letting in plenty of natural light – hence the diamond-shaped exterior with plenty of windows.
The library is home to over a million books and has an automated book-sorting system that makes it easy to find and access any collection one might need. The basement contains old manuscripts and documents, some even dating back to the 7th century A.D.
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Situated on the private marina belonging to the Four Season Hotel in Doha, this particular Nobu is the largest chain outlet in the world. Designed by the Rockwell Group, the structure has an ovoid shape and is three storeys high. The interior pays homage to both the Japanese cultural roots of Chef Nobu and also to the pearl diving history of Doha.
The exterior has glazed ribbons that use pale river stones and bronze accent pieces and is surrounded by a reflecting pool. The interior is open to the sky and guests are surrounded by walls of woven abaca panels. The floor is made using travertine stone, adding an intimate and warm touch to the space.
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Designed by the Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) was built back in 2011. The structure is held up by intertwined Sidrat-ul-Muntaha trees, a traditional symbol of knowledge, nourishment, and perseverance since it grows in the harsh desert environment and helps nurture the environment around them.
Poets and scholars often gathered below these trees in the desert to exchange knowledge. According to Islamic belief, the holy tree is said to be at the boundary of the seventh heaven, a boundary no one can breach except for the Prophet of Allah.
Source: archdaily
The building has water-conservation and energy-saving fixtures, making it green and sustainable. It has an indoor theatre-style conference hall that can seat 4,000, a theatre that can comfortably seat 2,300 and 52 meeting rooms that are flexible enough to accommodate meetings and events of all kinds. The interior feature is a blend of wood tones and beige to create a warm and inviting ambience, paired with white ceilings and fixtures to keep things light and bright.
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6) Sidra Medicine
Source: archdaily
Sidra Medicine is not just a hospital; it is also a biomedical research centre located in Doha. The glass, steel and white ceramic tile structure was designed by the late architect Cesar Pelli, who is well known for designing the Petronas Towers in Malaysia, the World Financial Centre in New York and the International Finance Centre in Hong Kong.
The hospital comprises three “sail-like” structures that are a nod to the good old seafaring days of Qatar. These sails create naturally lit atriums that are occupied by gardens that have an abundance of water and greenery to create a tranquil and peaceful environment.
The outside of the hospital features an installation by Damien Hirst that consists of 14 bronze sculptures that feature the development of a foetus, from conception to birth. The installation is called “The Miraculous Journey”.
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7) Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies (QFIS)
Source: The Architectural Review
The Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies (QFIS) was a winner at the World Architecture Festival 2015 in the Religion category. The QFIS is home to the Education City Mosque and was designed by Mangera Yvers Architects. The design is centred on reworking the historic Islamic Kulliya or “place where all knowledge is sought” in order to create a learning environment that is progressive.
The building, with its unique shape and form, is said to be a point of reference for the nation. The design, with multiple routes connecting the school to the mosque and a spiral building plan, is supposed to suggest that all knowledge is ultimately derived from faith. The mosque inside rests on five columns that are said to represent the five pillars of Islam.
The outer façade sees the use of multiple wall cladding – metal panels, natural stone and glass are used in multiple finishes and sizes to create an interesting and eye-catching look. Some areas of the façade also contain inscriptions from the Quran.
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8) Al Janoub Stadium
Source: Arquitectura Viva
The Al Jaboub Stadium was officially opened in May 2019 and is one of the venues of the FIF World Cup 2022. The stadium was designed by architect Zaha Hadid and is said to be inspired by the dhow boats that are abundant in the waters of Qatar and the pearls that contributed a major chunk to Qatar’s economy. It has a very post-modern, futuristic look and a curvilinear exterior. The stadium can easily seat 40,000 spectators.
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9) Al Thumama Stadium
Source: BeSoccer
This is another stadium that was explicitly designed, commissioned and made for the FIFA World Cup 2022. Designed by Qatari architect Ibrahim M. Jaidah, the design of the stadium is inspired by the gahfiya, a traditional cap worn by men from many Arab countries.
While being able to see the World Cup Matches live is a great place to be, the opportunity to visit and appreciate these beautiful architectural wonders is an added plus. With Orientbell Tiles, you can bring home a piece of the lovely architecture of Qatar. Visit our website or a store near you today!
Mannika Mitra brings a wealth of experience to her role as Digital Content and Marketing Manager at Orientbell Tiles, having been associated with the company for the past 5 years. With a total of 12 years in the industry, Mannika holds an Arts degree from Delhi University and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication. Her journey has seen her excel as a digital producer at esteemed news agencies like ANI, NDTV, and Hindustan Times.
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