Copyright qna
Doha, October 20 (QNA) - Msheireb Museums celebrated their 10-year mark, as some of the most important institutions concerned with heritage, identity, and architectural innovation in Qatar. At a press conference held at the historic Bin Jelmood House in Msheireb Downtown Doha on Monday, participants explored Msheireb Museums' decade-long transformative journey in preserving heritage and history, human narratives, and architectural innovation in Qatar. The conference was attended by Qatari, regional, and international architects and heritage preservation experts, who reflected on the architectural heritage of Msheireb Museums and discussed its approach to shaping Qatar's architectural identity. Participants learned how Msheireb Museums have documented Qatar's heritage through architectural conservation and human narratives, and how the project's Seven Principles, derived from community wisdom and traditional lifestyles, have shaped contemporary urban design. Msheireb Museums celebrate their 10th anniversary, marking the transformation of four historic houses in the heart of Msheireb into vibrant spaces where Qatar's heritage actively inspires education, storytelling, and community engagement. These houses are Bin Jelmood House, Mohammed Bin Jassim House, Company House, and Radwani House. Over the past decade, Msheireb Museums have influenced education, established strategic partnerships with academic and cultural institutions, and hosted numerous conferences and events that position heritage and progress as partners rather than opposing forces. In this context, Msheireb Museums General Manager Abdulla Al Naama pointed to the two books published on the Msheireb project's foundations and blueprint, which also delve into the nature, significance, and history of the four historic houses of Msheireb Museums. On balancing between Qatar's historical narratives and embracing modern architecture, Al Naama emphasized Msheireb Museums' commitment to showcasing social narratives and stories, as well as highlighting the urban changes witnessed by Qatari society, making Msheireb Museums a platform for dialogue and diverse events. He added that from this perspective, Msheireb Museums operate as cultural institutions dedicated to documenting these narratives while also being open to the present, as Msheireb Museums' roles and goals are not limited to the past. On Msheireb Museums' success in meeting sustainability standards in reviving the four historical houses, Al Naama said that highlighting those houses' original architectural approach in all their details was ensured, while also meeting sustainability standards, with the Mohammed Bin Jassim House being a prime example. Regarding his assessment of visitor numbers to Msheireb Museums, Al Naama noted a noticeable increase in visitor figures thanks to stronger community engagement and the fact that the museums hold a variety of events that are attracting more visitors. Concerning Msheireb Museums' key projects and initiatives as they enter their second decade, he revealed that the next four months will see three new exhibitions, in addition to workshops and dialogue sessions. In turn, Senior Manager of Education and Sustainability at Msheireb Properties, Architect Fatima Mohamed Fawzy, told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that because the Msheireb Museums project involved heritage buildings, great care was taken to preserve the museums' main character and maintain their general appearance, including their walls and ceilings, in keeping with architectural depth. That said, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems and the such were brought in from underground in order to introduce technology while preserving the buildings' original architecture, she added. Architect Fawzy pointed out that the four houses are some of the most important archaeological and historic buildings in which sustainability has been carefully considered. As part of their 10th-anniversary celebrations, Msheireb Museums published two strategic books in collaboration with Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press, these are: 'Msheireb Museums: Transforming Doha's Heritage Houses' and 'Building on Tradition – The New Architectural Language of Qatar'. The 1st book documents the meticulous restoration of the four historic houses in the heart of Doha, which now make up Msheireb Museums. These buildings are rare examples of traditional Qatari domestic architecture and offer valuable insights into Qatar's architectural and cultural heritage. The book explores the unique approach to preserving the four houses, demonstrating how each of their histories is intricately aligned with their current museum content. Through detailed documentation, spanning archaeological excavations, traditional construction techniques, and innovative design solutions that meet LEED Gold standards (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), the book shows how heritage preservation can create a living history that remains deeply relevant to modern audiences. As for 'Building on Tradition – The New Architectural Language of Qatar', it sets out a comprehensive framework for contemporary Qatari architecture by formulating seven principles or steps that link local architectural heritage with modern innovation, using Msheireb Downtown Doha as the primary testing ground for these principles. The book illustrates how traditional architectural wisdom can inspire exceptional urban design suited for the 21st century. These principles fall under the titles: Continuity, Individual and Collective, Space and Form, Home, Streets, Designing for Climate, and A New Language of Architecture. Together, they form an advanced methodology for creating architecture that honors Qatari cultural identity while addressing contemporary needs. This essential reference provides valuable guidance for shaping Qatar's urban environment with cultural sensitivity and environmental responsibility, through detailed analysis of traditional building techniques, spatial formations, and climate-responsive strategies. (QNA)
