This development by Woods Bagot in Qatar has scooped the LEAF awards.

September 8th, 2009
International Design Firm Woods Bagot have taken out the LEAF award International Building of the Year and the overall 2009 LEAF award for the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP).
Part of Qatar’s Foundation Education City the QTSP was praised by the judges for its use of materials and appreciation of the cultural and climatic context.
“This project represents an embarkation both in terms of the creation of a Middle East Islamic building typology,” says Nik Karalis – Design director global & peer review.
“The project team have attempted to capture the unique characteristics of client, geometry and cosmology that is specific to the Middle East region.”
The 98, 500 m2 building houses the Emerging Technology Centre, including a ‘business incubator’ and offices, and two Innovation & Technology Transfer Centres where companies are setting up Research and Development departments.
The distinguishing feature of the building – the large undulating roof – is visible from the capital Doha and echoes the large perforated aluminium ‘veil’ of the building’s façade, which provides shade and is “the basis for the development of microclimatic environments”.
The QSTP is just one part of eleven ‘zones’ that make up the Education City, which covers an area of around 2.1 million m2 and aims to serve the development of research and education in Qatar.
“As part of its long-term vision, QSTP’s purpose is to become an internationally recognised hub for research and commercialisation,” says Mark Mitcheson-Low, Woods Bagot’s Regional Managing Director for the Middle East. ’¨’¨“To this end, the world-class design of the building is already providing a draw to global technology leaders and will become the focus for the business goals of all of Qatar.”
Find more info on the LEAF Awards here.
Images: Trevor Mein Photography
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Explore the captivating realm of molo, the world-renowned design studio led by Stephanie Forsythe and Todd MacAllen. molo’s acclaimed soft collection celebrates a unique fusion of art, design, and architecture and – crucially – sustainability.
This exciting new carpet design collaboration by GH Commercial with interior architect and product designer, Lorena Gaxiola, blends artistic flair and uncompromising precision.
Lizzy Stageman blends ancestral wisdom with artistry to reveal grand life stories in her contemporary Aboriginal designs. ‘Finding My Place’ transforms her original art into captivating commercial textiles, wall coverings & acoustic art.
Viccarbe’s design furniture concepts draw inspiration from the vibrant spirit of Valencia and have revolutionised interiors across the globe. Featuring celebrated designers such as John Pawson and internationally acclaimed collections, Viccarbe offers a contemporary perspective on modern commercial and residential spaces.
Indesignlive talks to a boutique consultancy service for the design supply market.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
The much-talked-about Industry Lanes, home to Australia’s first Molteni&C flagship store, will play host to Saturday Indesign’s Afterparty this Saturday 2 September. We introduce you to the story behind the destination.
Atmospheric and moody with a stage-like dune, Various Associates sets a pristine white stage for this epic SND retail store.