Qgbc 2014 0038towards a holistic approach to sustainability

Qatar Green Building Council Annual Conference 2014 - The Vision Conference Towards a Holistic Approach to Sustainability - Heritage, Architecture and Culture as Tools for Assembling Identity in Qatar --Manuscript Draft-Manuscript Number:

QGBC-2014-0038

Full Title:

Towards a Holistic Approach to Sustainability - Heritage, Architecture and Culture as Tools for Assembling Identity in Qatar

Article Type:

Abstract for QGBC conference 2014

Section/Category:

Retrofitting Doha

Corresponding Author:

Ali A. Alraouf, Ph.D. MMUP Doha, Doha QATAR

Corresponding Author Secondary Information: Corresponding Author's Institution:

MMUP

Corresponding Author's Secondary Institution: First Author:

Ali A. Alraouf, Ph.D.

First Author Secondary Information: Order of Authors:

Ali A. Alraouf, Ph.D.

Order of Authors Secondary Information: Manuscript Region of Origin:

QATAR

Abstract:

Just a few years ago, Doha, the Qatari capital, was referred to as a "sleepy town" (Lonely Planet, 2008). Nevertheless, as a result of its position in the global energy market, the country is going through massive expansion and has the resources to support this growth. Considering Qatar's current thrive into a post-oil paradigm where knowledge economy might be the generative force for development, an examination of how the State's new museums contribute to Qatar's new vision becomes so relevant.

The paper analyzes the process of constructing a new urban brand; Dohaization, and the role of new museums in substantiating such brand and new identity. A quest for identity, in the contemporary moment, implies twofold pursuits. First, it would speak to the locality and relate to the community heritage and roots. Second, it should respect the global aspirations and each city's compelling desire to accommodate a place on the global stage and to brand itself as a global city attracting tourists, knowledge workers and global citizens. Then, I will exploit the findings of this discussion in the assessment and critical review of the two selected museums MIA and QNM. This paper critically narrates the case of two iconic museums in the contemporary urbanity of Doha. By analyzing the process of constructing a new urban identity for Qatar, the paper also examines the role of museums in approaching a new paradigm by moving from consuming old heritage to constructing a new tradition and manufacturing an alternative contemporary heritage. The paper addresses crucial questions such as: What is the relation between building museums and pursuing a future development vision? Can museums' architecture and urbanism facilitate a different level of community engagement?

Additional Information: Question

Response

In addition to the Conference Theme that Retrofitting Doha you have selected, please can you select from the list of Suggested Topics within Powered by Editorial ManagerÂŽ and ProduXion ManagerÂŽ from Aries Systems Corporation

your chosen theme, a minimum of 1 and maximum of 3 topics that best reflect your submission. If your topic does not exist please use 'Other' and enter the name of your topic. If you have more than one please provide them all within the 'Other' section: Please select between 1 and 3 topics Other from the list below. If your topic is not listed please use the 'Other' option and enter 1-3 values in the space provided: as follow-up to "In addition to the Conference Theme that you have selected, please can you select from the list of Suggested Topics within your chosen theme, a minimum of 1 and maximum of 3 topics that best reflect your submission. If your topic does not exist please use 'Other' and enter the name of your topic. If you have more than one please provide them all within the 'Other' section:" Please provide 1 - 3 topics that are not listed in the above list that relate to your submission: as follow-up to "Please select between 1 and 3 topics from the list below. If your topic is not listed please use the 'Other' option and enter 1-3 values in the space provided:"

Knowledge-based urban development.

Have you ever submitted this paper to any No other conference or publication?

Please select your preferred presentation Submit Full-length Paper option from the list below up to a max of 2: Qatar Green Building Conference I have read and understand this statement scientific committee will merit a number of key approved abstract authors with one the following complimentary packages: 1: Flight Tickets, Doha hotel accommodation and local Transport 2: Doha Hotel Accommodation and local transport All bookings will be made by the conference organizers and will be based on Economy class tickets and 5 star hotel bed and breakfast.

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Abstract Click here to download Abstract: QGBC Conference.docx

Towards a Holistic Approach to Sustainability Heritage, Architecture and Culture as Tools for Assembling Identity in Qatar

Ali A. Alraouf, Ph.D. Prof. of Architecture and Urbanism Head of Research & Development at QNMP Doha, Qatar alialraouf@gmail.com

Abstract Just a few years ago, Doha, the Qatari capital, was referred to as a “sleepy town” (Lonely Planet, 2008). Nevertheless, as a result of its position in the global energy market, the country is going through massive expansion and has the resources to support this growth.

Considering Qatar’s current thrive into a post-oil paradigm where knowledge economy might be the generative force for development, an examination of how the State’s new museums contribute to Qatar’s new vision becomes so relevant. The paper analyzes the process of constructing a new urban brand; Dohaization, and the role of new museums in substantiating such brand and new identity. A quest for identity, in the contemporary moment, implies twofold pursuits. First, it would speak to the locality and relate to the community heritage and roots. Second, it should respect the global aspirations and each city’s compelling desire to accommodate a place on the global stage and to brand itself as a global city attracting tourists, knowledge workers and global citizens. Then, I will exploit the findings of this discussion in the assessment and critical review of the two selected museums MIA and QNM. This paper critically narrates the case of two iconic museums in the contemporary urbanity of Doha. By analyzing the process of constructing a new urban identity for Qatar, the paper also examines the role of museums in approaching a new paradigm by moving from consuming old heritage to constructing a new tradition and manufacturing an alternative contemporary heritage. The paper addresses crucial questions such as: What is the relation between building museums and pursuing a future development vision? Can museums’ architecture and urbanism facilitate a different level of community engagement?

Keywords: Gulf Museums, Local Community, Qatar, Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), Qatar National Museum (QNM), Knowledge-based urban development.