Maze replicating old Doha opens at Dahl Al Hammam Park

Residentsand visitors in the country will have the opportunity to discovertraditional Qatari games at a newly-constructed maze, which openedyesterday at Dahl Al Hammam Park, located opposite Tawar Mall.Theinstallation, built in collaboration between Qatar’s Ministry ofMunicipality and Environment and British Council Qatar, represents thestreets of old Doha and explores the changing culture of how publicspaces are used.Winners of the British Council Qatar’s ‘UnlimitedDoha Design Prize’ created the maze, which proved popular at the QatarBritish Festival 2017 for “combining art and architecture.” Thewinners include architect Deena al-Terawi, architect Gizem Kahraman,architect Cherng-Min Teong, archaeologist Omer Can Aksoy and architectAlex Scott-Whitby. Park-goers will have the chance to feel how toplay in the narrow streets (passages) of Doha, as well as playtraditional Qatari games, as they pass through the maze.“As part ofQatar’s Vision 2030, we are creating more opportunities for people tointeract with the environment in new ways,” Mohamed al-Khouri, director,public parks department at the Ministry of Municipality andEnvironment, said in a statement. He was represented by deputy directorMohamed al-Sada at the opening yesterday.“Doha is famous for itsmodern architecture but we want to ensure people do not forget about thehistory and culture of the people who help make Qatar what it istoday,” he noted.British Council Qatar is showcasing theaward-winning design dubbed as ‘The Streets of Doha | City of Joy: Mazeat Dahl Al Hamam Park’ for two months.“The British Council isengaged in a range of cultural initiatives locally and we are glad thatthere is so much interest in the ways we encourage co-operation andcollaboration such as this,” British Council country director Dr FrankFitzpatrick said in a statement. The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.BritishCouncil Qatar’s Programmes and Partnerships head Waseem Kotoub saidQatar’s rich urban heritage has always been a source of inspiration forlocal and international architects and designers. “We aredelighted to provide and facilitate opportunities for young designersand architects in creating a collaborative work like the maze,” he said,adding that the council is keen in supporting Qatar Museums’ (QM)initiative Marchitecture.The recently launched QM programme is anationwide cultural showcase comprising film screenings, events, publictalks and exclusive tours of many of Qatar’s best-loved buildings andsites of historic and cultural significance.Marchitecture will also feature talks and workshops that explore art and architecture scene in the country.TheBritish Council Qatar will hold a talk titled “Streets of Doha: Betweenthe Future and the Past,” which will discuss the influence oftraditional Qatari architecture on the urban fabric of Doha today. Itwill also explore how it will continue to shape the future of the city. RobertCarter, professor of Arabian and Middle Eastern Archaeology, UniversityCollege London Qatar, will chair the panel while Mangera YvarsArchitects director Ali Mangera, Mohammed Ali Abdullah of the EmiriDiwan’s Private Engineering Office and Qatar Foundation Capital ProjectsDirectorate’s senior architect Nur Alah Valdeolmillos will be the speakers.