National museum of Qatar

Architects: Ateliers Jean Nouvel

Area.         : 52000 sqm

Year.         : 2019

The design of the building was inspired by a mineral formation commonly found in the deserts of the Persian Gulf region. Desert Rose is a rock formed when minerals crystallize from loose soil just below the surface of a shallow salt pool. The interconnected system of disks that surround the historic palace like a necklace appears to have spread organically. It includes exhibition spaces that extend in an elliptical circle around the central courtyard, Hausha, where open-air cultural events are held. The desert rose shape is reminiscent of Qatar's culture and climate. It grows out of the ground and merges with the land. The shade created by the protruding elements allows visitors to walk outside while protecting the interior from light and heat.                         The sand-colored concrete cladding blends in with the local environment.

Visitors to the museum follow an elliptical path that gently rises and falls, mimicking the natural shape of the landscape. Large windows provide views of the Howsh, the museum’s gardens, and Doha Bay. The museum features eleven galleries showcasing permanent exhibitions about Qatar's environmental, cultural, and political history, from ancient times to the present. The journey ends in the historic palace, a highlight of the museum's collection, which has been beautifully restored to its original condition.

The museum is set within a landscaped park that reflects Qatari landscapes, featuring low dunes, flooded crops, and gardens inspired by sabkhas and oases. The park uses only local plants and trees, telling the story of Qatar and how its people adapted to the challenging environment. It includes a heritage garden with traditional plants and spacious grassy areas ideal for relaxing in the evening. A parking area for 430 cars is carefully integrated into the park, keeping the space looking natural.

The building is made up of large, interlocking disks that are round in shape and vary in size and curve. Some disks lie flat on others, while the vertical disks provide support by transferring weight down to the base. Inside, the layout mirrors the exterior with these interlocking disks. The finishes are simple and monochromatic. The floors are made of polished concrete in a sand color, mixed with tiny mineral pieces. The vertical walls are covered in stuc-pierre, a traditional plaster that looks like stone. The ceilings are finished with a special acoustic plaster applied over mineral wool to help with sound.

Published by Talbie design lab