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Doha, November 02 (QNA) - The Exhibitions Department of Qatar Museums proudly announces the inaugural edition of the Architecture and Design - Turning Vision Into a Universal Dialogue programme. This pioneering initiative marks the first comprehensive programme of its kind in Qatar, bringing together a distinguished collective of architects, designers, and students from across the globe. The programme features a vibrant mix of lectures, workshops, and public events, fostering collaboration and dialogue that transcends borders and generations. Running in parallel with the landmark exhibition I. M. Pei: Life is Architecture at Al Riwaq, the programme expands upon its themes, providing a dynamic platform where contemporary questions in architecture and design can be addressed. Inspired by the legacy of the renowned architect I. M. Pei (1917-2019), the initiative challenges participants to consider how architecture may safeguard heritage, champion innovation, and respond to the complexities of a rapidly evolving world. Over the course of the season, attendees will delve into an array of pertinent subjects, including I. M. Pei's enduring influence, adaptive reuse, cultural preservation, architectural education, sustainable design, cross-cultural dialogue, and regional materiality and innovation. By connecting these themes to both global and regional contexts, Qatar Museums positions architecture and design as vital forces in shaping contemporary society. The programme has been established under the patronage of Qatar Museums' Chairperson, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, and is led by Deputy CEO of Exhibitions, Public Art, and Rubayia, Sheikha Reem Al-Thani alongside the dedicated exhibition team. This collaborative effort creates an environment where international and local experts, as well as students, can forge meaningful connections and drive professional growth within the architectural community. Notable contributors include architects shaping Qatar's cultural landscape - Herzog & de Meuron, OMA, Lina Ghotmeh, Ibrahim Al Jaidah and Foster + Partners - who bring global perspectives to complement the expertise of local rising talent. Their participation promises a rich exchange of ideas, inspiring the next generation to envision futures where innovation and heritage coexist. The Architecture and Design - Turning Vision Into a Universal Dialogue takes place from 29 October 2025 to 14 February 2026. It coincides with significant cultural events such as I. M. Pei: Life is Architecture, I. M. Pei and the Making of the Museum of Islamic Art: From Square to Octagon and Octagon to Circle, Qatar Creates Week, Art Basel, Design Doha, and numerous public programmes and panels across the city. The season's schedule includes workshops, talks, debates, and film screenings, inviting audiences from Qatar and beyond to engage with the vital questions facing architecture and design today. International Experts: The programme will be led by a distinguished line-up of global experts, including Alejandro Aravena (ELEMENTAL), Aric Chen (Zaha Hadid Foundation), Elena Manferdini (principal of Atelier Manferdini and Graduate programs Chair of SCI-Arc), Sumayya Vally (Counterspace), Philippe Starck (Qatar Preparatory School), Ben van Berkel (UNS), Dominique Jakob and Brendan MacFarlane (Jakob+MacFarlane), Manuela Lucà-Dazio (Pritzker Architecture Prize), Sandi Pei (Pei Architects), Studio Gardère, Agence NC, Brian Butterfield (WHY Architecture), 2x4, and Noura Al Sayeh. Together, they will explore the full spectrum of exhibition-making, from concept and design to wayfinding and curation. Regional and Local Specialists: The programme also highlights the perspectives of regional luminaries such as Marina Tabassum (Aga Khan Award for Architecture laureate), Lina Ghotmeh (Qatari Pavilion, La Biennale di Venezia), X-Architects (Dubai), Anne Holtrop (Bahrain), George Arbid (Arab Center for Architecture), and Aline Asmar d'Amman (Beirut). Locally, contributions come from Ibrahim Al Jaidah (Arab Engineering Bureau) and Fatma Al Sehlawi (Atlas Bookstore, Studio Imara, Qatar Blueprint), ensuring Qatar's unique cultural context is at the forefront. Academic Collaborations: In partnership with ten leading universities - including Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar University - Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, the American University in Cairo, the American University of Beirut, the American University of Sharjah, Southern California Institute of Architecture, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Kharkiv School of Architecture, and Università Iuav di Venezia - the programme fosters cross-cultural dialogue and collaborative research, empowering emerging talent and advancing the future of global architectural practice. Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with the Ministry of Municipality, Ashghal, Qatar Tourism and Visit Qatar, Qatari Diar underlines a shared commitment to sustainable urban development and architectural innovation. This partnership bridges international expertise with Qatar's ambitions for resilient, human-centred cities. Cinematic Exploration: The programme's film screenings, presented in association with Doha Film Institute, Beka & Lemoine, and the Sharjah Architecture Triennial, celebrate architecture through the lens of cinema - offering fresh perspectives and encouraging dialogue on the built environment. (QNA)
