Artist Abdelrahman Al Muftah
Doha, Qatar: Doha Design District (DDD) and VCUarts Qatar have collaborated with artist Abdelrahman Al Muftah (pictured) to design an innovative, sustainable sanctuary for Qatar’s native Bulbul birds.
The Bird Cluster project, which includes a planter, bird nest, watering tray, and feeding tray, has been brought to life in Msheireb as part of DDD’s commitment to advancing Qatar’s Vision 2030, a future driven by sustainability and innovation. By encouraging collaboration and empowering emerging designers, this project exemplifies how DDD and VCUarts Qatar are cultivating local talent to create impactful solutions that benefit the community.
Director of Doha Design District, Dana Kazic said, “This collaboration with VCUarts Qatar and Abdulrahman Al Muftah reflects our mission to nurture creativity and empower young designers to address real-world challenges through meaningful design. By merging sustainability with innovation, we’re not only working towards contributing to our national vision but also inspiring the next generation of designers to think critically about their role in shaping a better future for our society.”
Professor and Director, MFA in Design, VCUarts Qatar, Rab McClure said: “The Bird Cluster project embodies significant and meaningful ideas. It stands out for its research-driven design approach, supported through the collaborative efforts of VCUarts Qatar and Doha Design District. This work exemplifies the kind of locally rooted, socially conscious design we strive to cultivate, creating projects that help to advance the broader vision of a sustainable urban environment for all.”
Al Muftah worked closely with DDD and VCUarts Qatar to ensure the structure was both sustainable and innovative. Inspired by traditional Qatari architecture, the design seamlessly integrates into the urban landscape while providing functional nesting spaces for smaller birds. The compact yet secure structure features entry points specifically designed to exclude larger invasive species, ensuring a haven for Qatar’s native Bulbul birds.
