The “City of Play” project prepared by a UK-Qatar team has won the Unlimited Doha Design Prize 2016, following a week-long residency in Doha from March 18-26.
The team is made up of Alex Scott-Whitby, Ming Teong, Omer Can Aksoy, Gizem Kahraman and Deena al-Terawi.
A total of 21 finalists from the UK, Qatar and other GCC states took part in the final stage. Drawing attention from Qatari, regional and UK architects, the event was wrapped up with a presentation of the final proposals at the Doha Fire Station, followed by the selection of the winning team.
The Unlimited Doha Design Prize was organised by the British Council under the patronage of HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, chairperson of Qatar Museums, in partnership with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.
The announcement followed a gala dinner to felicitate the winners and participants, and applaud the efforts of partners and supporters.
With lead facilitator Simon Gathercole (architecture firm Allies and Morrison) and support from Iris Papadatou (you&me architecture) and Doha Architecture Forum, the participants formed teams and developed ideas for a project based around the theme of “The Open City”. They addressed themes such as mobility and movement through space and accessibility.
The participants focused their research on the areas of Al Doha Al Jadeeda and Al Ghanem Street. To provide context and insight into the areas, they visited Msheireb Downtown Doha, Msheireb Museums and Msheireb Arts Centre, among others.
Called the “City of Play,” the winning proposal has offered an insight into the past and future of urban communities in Doha.
Frank Fitzpatrick, director of British Council Qatar, said at the gala dinner: “The winning team is getting a grant of £15,000 to further develop the project proposal and will gain further prominence in leading international events.”
Mohamed Ahmed al-Sayed, director of Doha Municipality, said: “We are delighted to support the Unlimited Doha Design Prize and the exceptional creative ideas put forward by the participants.”
Hassan al-Thawadi, secretary-general of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, noted: “This initiative promotes the spirit of creativity and encourages innovative practical solutions in raising the quality of life.”
Mansoor bin Ebrahim al-Mahmoud, CEO of Qatar Museums, added: “The patronage of HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and professional organisation by the British Council and its partners led to a successful edition of Unlimited Doha Design Prize over the week-long residency.”


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