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February 28, 2005
Futuristic visions?
A very futuristic building on Doha's West Beach skyline. It is actually two buildings, mirrored images of each other.
Countries like Qatar, where money is not counted out by bean counters who understand only bottom lines, provide a wonderful opportunity for innovative architects. As I have said elsewhere, Islamic culture has developed a wealth of geometric designs and patterns to replace the images and statuary that dominates Western Art, and this translates well in to the built environment - provided the developer is a man (or woman) with the vision to see that it is money well spent when it produces a building which excites interest and is pleasing to look at.
Yes, buildings need to be functional, and they need to be economical in terms of usable space, but they do not need to be ugly or ultilitarian. The architects who have created these buildings certainly have achieved something beautiful, here - my only concern is the lack of understanding of my field of expertise - fire!
That said, I would have to add that that, too, is being addressed. The Amir has said so!
Posted by The Gray Monk at February 28, 2005 09:14 AM