Cultural Village Foundation – Katara has officially opened the “Geometric study of sand line in the Qatari architecture” exhibition, featuring seven projects and a sculpture designed by Architect Mohanad Barakat.
A ribbon cutting ceremony presided by Katara General Manager, Prof. Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti marked the opening of the exhibit. A tour was followed led by the exhibiting architect.
Speaking to The Peninsula, Barakat revealed the display features seven of his designs inspired by the sand lines. “This exhibit explains how we study the lines and structures of sand dunes. How the wind creates lines and integrates them as a design to buildings.”
When coming in the exhibition housed at Building 18, Gallery 2, a massive sculpture of sand lines can be seen. Barakat explained this is how he studied the sand lines where he created a carving in 3D model as a representation to audience. A part of the display details how he sketches the patterns and incorporate them to form a building.
There are seven projects alongside the 3D model which are featured in the exhibition. One is a museum for rally cars, a hotel, two resorts, group of gardens, group of villas, and a palace.
He said that the models can be built anywhere in Qatar, but for the rally car museum, the ideal location is the desert.
“The idea is to bring these cars of old people and display them in the museum. This building can be constructed in the desert and can be a tourist destination,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the hotel design is a distinction of curves. “We created a garden inside and corridors. When you go in, you can feel the sand dunes, and from the terraces one can see the view of mountains, the sunrise and sunset,” Barakat added.
About the two resorts, he disclosed that it will be a relaxation and enjoyment for the public. Each room in the resort has a spectacular view. The designs are made on how the stones are levelling, “you can see strong lines on the design and we have derived this from the sand line.”
The architect also drew inspiration from a rock formation. His group of gardens design is a mixture of stone and sea mountain lines.
“The holes which serve a window will be made from glass, during the morning, we will be opening it so the light can come through,” he said.
He likewise designed a palace. “This is a blend of Qatari architecture and the softness of sand dunes.”
The exhibit is open to the public from 10am to 10pm and will run until January 28, 2022. It is located at Katara Building 18, Gallery 2.
