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An urban planner from The Netherlands has advised local authorities to use environment-friendly methods for high-value projects similar to ones used in her country. |
Speaking at a session yesterday on Urban Design and Architecture, organised jointly by the Netherlands embassy and Philips at Msheireb Enrichment Centre, Caroline Bos said it is a matter of immense satisfaction to the planners from The Netherlands that they were successful in delivering some of the major architectural landmarks despite the considerable topographical challenges that the country faced.
The co-founder of Amsterdam-based architectural firm UN Studio said more than 20% of her geographically low-lying country is under the sea level and 50% is just 1m above the sea level.
“In spite of such disadvantages some of the best known architectural projects in Europe are built in the Netherlands,” said Bos.
She said a combination of experience and experiments, backed by strong planning has helped the architects from The Netherlands come out with such earth-friendly landmarks as the Library of Birmingham, UK; headquarters of ING, 5th Creek Crossing; NMH Budapest; Feojenoord Stadium and head office of BVLGARI among others.
According to the urban planner, innovation and technology should go hand in hand for building architectural marvels. A similar application of architectural excellence could contribute to all 33 Metro stations being built in and around Doha, she felt.
The speaker also deliberated on the necessity of international orientation for architects for
delivering quality projects.
Bos explained how public culture and social sustainability influenced the building sector in her country. “Public buildings play a major role in the lives of the Dutch and such concepts as energy saving and social awareness have had a major role in the day-to-day activities of the Dutch,” she said while advising local authorities to accord similar levels of attention to such factors as energy saving and economic sustainability in planning major developments.
The Dutch ambassador to Qatar Yvette ven Eechoud, Chief Design Officer of Philips Lighting Rogier van der Heide, Qatar Museum Authority architect Nasser al Amadi, and Architect manager at Qatar Foundation were among others who attended.