From souqs to architectural marvels: How Doha connects tradition and innovation

DOHA, Qatar — While the modern skyscrapers of West Bay define the skyline, the historical heart of Doha offers a different perspective on the identity of Qatar. Beyond the luxury islands, the city maintains its cultural roots through sites like the Souq Waqif traditional market and the National Museum of Qatar. The National Museum of Qatar looks nothing like a typical building. This architectural marvel was designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning French architect Jean Nouvel. The building is inspired by the "desert rose," a natural mineral formation that crystallizes in the Qatari desert. Nouvel’s design features a unique exterior made of 316 overlapping disks, creating a look that is both complex and artistic. These disks overlap and intersect to create a highly unique curved form that appears to change shape depending on the viewer's angle. The museum gained attention in Korea because the Korean builder Hyundai E&C constructed it. The project was technically demanding, but the result is a massive piece of structural art that now stands as a symbol of Qatar’s cultural ambitions. TraWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times