Doha Qatar

Msheireb Heart of Doha is the largest urban scale project in the history of Qatar and will revitalize the center of Doha over a 65 hectare site. Her Highness Sheikha Moza has commissioned a series of custom urban furnishing elements to fill the streets with objects that although highly functional, are at the same time considered art form in their own right. LUCE has developed a series of benches, bollards, bike racks, drinking fountains, light standards, traffic lights and tram shelters based on the indigenous art and culture of Qatar. The narrative that ties each of the elements together is written through material, detail and craft. Encountering these forms along urban walks and in city parks reveals a story about scattering special ‘jewels’ throughout the city; beautiful objects of utility to be discovered in a sequential fashion. LUCE delved deep into the history of this tiny but resourceful country to find traditional craft and cultural history that would speak to a desire for cultural strength and fortitude.

The urban site covers 66 hectares and is located in the heart of Doha, adjacent to the historic core. The costs of the urban design furnishings are unknown at this time but each element is custom built and meant to parallel the cost of the highest quality fixture available on the market today. The development is meant to be completed in 2018. It is unclear as to the implementation of the street furnishing project at this time.