DOHA: Barwa Real Estate Group, one of the leading real estate and investment companies in Qatar and the region, participated in the Qatar-Russia 2018 Year of Culture, where a seminar entitled “Qatar: No Limits of Architecture” was held with the participation of Salman bin Mohammad Al Mohannadi, Group CEO of Barwa Real Estate Group, Ibrahim Mohammad Al Jaidah, CEO of Arab Engineering Bureau, Abdelwahed Elwakil, advisor at Barwa Group, Prof. Dr. Ali Abdelrouf Ali Abouelsaad, Head of R&D Urban Planning Department (Ministry of Municipality and Environment).
The seminar opened with a welcome speech by Fahad bin Mohammad Al Attiyah, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Russian Federation, in which he pointed out the importance of providing opportunities for exchanging experience and knowledge between both countries, especially in the field of architecture and urban development.
At the panel discussion, Salman Al Mohannadi, Group CEO of Barwa Real Estate Group, talked about the importance of the balance between architectural culture, economic feasibility, market needs, social benefits and minimum environmental impact.
Ibrahim Mohammad Al Jaidah addressed the urban changes in Qatar from the 1940s to the current urban situation, drawing on modern projects that have succeeded in reviving local identity in contemporary architecture.
On the benefits of old engineering techniques and their compatibility with the climate, Abdelwahed Elwakil, advisor at Barwa Group, praised the characteristics of the Islamic architecture, which respects traditions. He also compared it with the modern architectural designs inspired by different environments that may not be commensurate with the country’s climate.
On Doha’s emergence as the Middle East’s capital of the creative economy, Prof. Dr. Ali Abdelrouf Ali Abouelsaad explained how mega projects like the Museum of Islamic Art, the 2022 FIFA World Cup projects and the National Museum of Qatar, had changed the physical and cultural landscape of the capital city of Qatar.
