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| Doha College principal Mark Leppard with representatives of the architectural firms shortlisted to design the new school premises |
Doha College yesterday invited members of the school community to examine the five shortlisted architectural designs for the school’s future premises, from which the final design will be selected for construction when the school is allocated its new land.
Principal Mark Leppard explained that he had initially longlisted around 50 architectural companies in the UK to look into the possibility of designing the new premises.
This number was reduced to five, all of which have presented their ideas to the board of governors as well as staff and students at the school.“We wanted to use a UK-based architect because we felt like giving something back and also developing a business relationship with the UK as we are a British school,” he said, adding “I am amazed that out of one brief, these companies have produced five such different designs.”
Leppard explained that the school will be relocated to a new 50,000sqm site, details of which should be finalised in the coming months, and added that it will be able to cater to around 1,600 students. He said that the brief for the design included a number of themes such as ‘transition,’ ‘secret or surprise,’ ‘DC experience’ and an ‘open feel’ among others. “This will be a huge step for the college and it will move us closer to our vision of being one of the leading international schools in the world,” he said, adding “it will also move us towards the government’s vision for the future.”
And so the five architects have prepared designs over recent months, with the winning project to be announced in around a month’s time.
Gulf Times spoke to the architects to discover what inspired their creations, and how designing for a school in Qatar has influenced their work.
Principal director of RHWL Architects, Norman Bragg explained that his company’s design aimed to combine the concept of ‘Britishness’ in an international arena. “We are looking to create something to remain in the memories of students for years after they have left the school,” he said, adding, “if they look back on the school with fond memories then we will be very pleased.”
Broadway Malyan’s director of architecture, Nicholas Davies explained that their design is based on the concept of a journey, with students growing through the school, which also grows as it moves through early school years to primary and then secondary school facilities.
“We will be using solar power, and we will also have a media wall for students to upload information about projects or events on a main wall in the entrance area,” said Davies.
Senior partner at Penoyre and Prasad, Greg Penoyre explained that his design had been influenced by the climate and the need to reduce energy consumption, as well as local aspects of life such as souqs, trees and courtyards.
“We have one big and lovely roof under which there is a whole learning village,” said Penoyre, adding “our design is based on a grove of trees or an oasis.”
Associate director of Jestico and Whiles, Jude Harris said: “We wanted to respond to the Doha College experience and promote a sense of community.”
“Everything is under one roof, but there are different areas depending on different requirements,” he said, adding “we are also keen to promote sustainability and natural ventilation through a variety of means.”
Founding partner of Fieldon Clegg Bradley Studios, Peter Clegg said: “Our design was inspired by the traditional climate response of architecture in the Middle East and particularly in Doha. We were interested in how we could work with the climate.”
“Most of our work focuses on reducing energy consumption, and we aim to reduce consumption by around 50%,” he said, adding “we have also been inspired by the Persian concept of gardens and protection.”
The different designs on display provided an exciting array of future options for the college, which is looking forward to taking the next major step in its development in Qatar.