The Italian embassy in Qatar and Msheireb Properties have opened an exhibition, 'Buone Nuove. Women Changing Architecture', which is being hosted at Msheireb Downtown Doha until August 19.
'Buone Nuove. Women Changing Architecture' was inaugurated on May 11 in the presence of Paolo Toschi, the Italian ambassador to Qatar; Ali al-Kuwari, CEO of Msheireb Properties; curator Pippo Ciorra; featured architect and award-winner Alessandra Cianchetta; and local professionals.
The exhibition is curated by Ciorra, Elena Motisi and Elena Tinacci from MAXXI, National Museum of 21st Century Arts in Rome, and produced by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation together with the Museum’s Foundation.
It features the work of female designers and architects active in Italy and abroad, with the intention to map the contribution made by female architects, designers, duos, teams and collectives to present-day architecture around the world.
Divided into four sections – Stories of Italian Architects, Practices in Italy, Narrations and Visions, and Women Architects in Qatar – the showcase includes not only Italian professionals, but also international female creatives.
Through its different elements, 'Buone Nuove' highlights how female personalities have had an impact on modern and contemporary architecture at large, from the early pioneers of the 20th century to today’s archistars and studios led by women. Among those, the exhibition includes renowned names like Lina Bo Bardi, Gae Aulenti, Cini Boeri and Nanda Vigo, as well as some of the most relevant figures on the current scene and young professionals.
The exhibition also features a series of video interviews with authors that reconstruct the stories and theories that accompany this narrative.
Doha’s showcase of 'Buone Nuove' is also enriched by local materials curated by Msheireb Properties in co-operation with Qatar University. The Qatari additions highlight the contribution of women to Qatar’s architectural landscape, including the works of active professionals and from the students of Qatar University’s Department of Architecture.
“We are really excited to bring 'Buone Nuove. Women Changing Architecture' to Doha. The topics of innovation in the architectural field and women empowerment are indeed two elements that closely link Italy and Qatar practices and policies,” said ambassador Toschi. “Thanks to our co-operation with Msheireb Properties and MAXXI, Qatar’s public will be able to discover how much women professionals impacted on contemporary architecture in Italy, in Qatar and all over the world.
"We strongly believe that women’s creativity and empowerment plays a pivotal role towards innovation, social inclusion and sustainability, all factors that are both present in the exhibition and in our shared international agenda."
Al-Kuwari said, “We are delighted to host this inspirational exhibition at Msheireb Downtown Doha, in alignment with our vision to empower women and highlight their significant contributions across various business sectors. The women's influence on Msheireb's architecture is evident, both in its exterior and interior design. We extend our gratitude to the embassy of Italy and MAXXI for their collaboration in presenting this exhibition, which exemplifies our shared values and objectives to elevate women's roles in creative industries. We look forward to witnessing a successful fair that will further promote and enhance their position."
The exhibition is open to the public, with free access, at Msheireb Downtown Doha (Msheireb Properties Headquarters Building), daily until August 19.
The opening hours are: Saturday through Thursday from 9am to 7pm, and on Fridays from 3pm – 7pm.