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Interview
Ibrahim Al-Jaidah
CEO & Chief Architect – Arab Engineering Bureau with 26 years’ experience in architectural field. Graduated from University of Oklahoma, USA in 1988. He published a book titled “History of Qatari Architecture” which is considered as a reference material for students and in the industry He won personally many international awards such as Islamic Cities and Arab Town Organization Awards, and has been nominated for the Agha Khan Award three times. In 2005 he was honored with the State of Qatar Encouragement Award. He is also a founding member of the Qatar Green Building Council which is the basis of sustainability movement in Qatar.
What comes-up to your mind once you hear “Iconic World Structures”?
“Iconic structures are usually those which are considered as mega projects and are challenging in the form and engineering. For example, bridges with very long spans, high rise buildings such as the tallest skyscraper in the world. However, small landmark buildings can become iconic due to their impact on surrounding. Also, sustainability is another factor in determining iconic buildings such as the green building in Singapore and the Msheireb project where there will be the first platinum certified green mosque.
Qatar’s new architectural movement towards glass and how it’s related to Qatari culture?
“Now by law, the government will not allow glass façade’ in any building more than 50% percent; however, there is less control over the private investors. As consultant we advise our clients and try our best to persuade them to consider environmental impact and still meet their needs and expectations for their projects.
Current architectural movement is more related to Qatari culture and environment such as Qatar National Museum which inspired by the desert rows.
Traditional vs. Contemporary… what’s your option? And what about Qatar identity currently and in the future?
Traditional architectural views were developed in early 60s; however, it had been reborn nowadays in Msheireb projects where buildings are combining both traditional as well as contemporary. Qatar has gone very long way to preserve their identity unlike other countries in the Middle East. This had been not only in architectural but also in all fields such as: arts, music, and so on. In 5 years’ time, in Qatar there will be many iconic structures to choose from or to start a school of architecture that properly combines contemporary and traditional architectural views.