LACECO was invited by Qatar Petroleum to an international design competition for the Qatar Foundation headquarters expansion building in
the QF Education City.
Expansion of the Cube of the headquarters, designed by Rem Koolhaas, the squares of its façades and of the landscape, variation of pixels,
expand through the new building; Mathematics and Geometry are the basis of Islamic Architecture, and the zero created by the Arabs––
somehow at the origin of the digital world––sets the matrix of the project, Sustainability should be understood as part of the Islamic heritage.
Working at Qatar Foundation should be a unique experience whereby women and men (2000 employees), have a better understanding of the
world they live in. It is the concept of When Work Works. The promenade from the headquarters to the park, through the oasis, green pixels of
the matrix, provides this experience, symbolizing the search of the Arabs for a haven of peace. Celebrating Qatari culture was essential, that
is why QF expansion building has been conceived as a boat, reminiscent of the Qatari culture, embarking the youth of this nation, fathers and
mothers of the future generations, towards a better future.
After being short listed LACECO was the only firm selected to negotiate their financial and technical terms. Unfortunately the project was
cancelled altogether as the global economy turned down.
Total land surface area: 43,000 m2
Net development right: 66,000 m2 (950 offices, services and amenities such as auditorium, sport center, library, nursery, mediation
center, prayer area, women center, a media center, leisure and cafeteria, parking space for 1,200 cars)
Cost of infrastructure and landscape: USD 250 million
Services provided: Design concept
Completion date: November 2008