With the engagement of world-renowned architects, Qatar’s architectural landscape has experienced many positive changes over the past decade. The new structures arising in Doha are both inspired by Qatar’s national identity, and its futuristic ambitions, with Qatar National Library’s iconic building as one of Qatar’s landmarks.
The Library will host renowned architects from Qatar and around the world in a panel discussion, “Architecture as Face of a Nation,” to discuss the role that cultural institutions play in defining and conveying national identity to local and global audiences.
The panel discussion, taking place on 27 March from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM at the Library’s Special Events Area, will feature Rem Koolhaas, the Library’s architect; Jean Nouvel, architect of the National Museum of Qatar; Jacques Herzog, a famous Swiss architect; Ibrahim Jaidah, a Qatari architect and the founder of the Arab Engineering Bureau; and Ben van Berkel, a Dutch architect, founder and principal architect of the architectural practice United Work Studio.
“The architecture of the Library is an instrumental feature which has allowed for the space to be adapted in multiple ways to suit the needs of our visitors and patrons. The accessibility and flexibility of the building has enabled a variety of events, exhibitions and programs all with different shapes and forms. The innovative nature of the building has contributed to the new concept of how a library can be used and what it can offer, providing an ideal space for visitors to socialize, learn and innovate together,” said Dr. Sohair Wastawy, Executive Director of the Library. “The Library represents an important element in Qatar’s aspirations for a knowledge-based society, and we are glad that our panelists will highlight this very important aspect at the event.”
The panel discussion will be moderated by Philip Jodidio, art and architecture author.
