Qatar hires Frida Escobero to design new headquarters for Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Doha
The State of Qatar has unveiled plans to build a
new headquarters for its Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on a prime
waterfront site in Doha, aiming to enhance the visibility and accessibility of
the nation’s diplomatic services. Located on the iconic Corniche, the new
complex will not only symbolize Qatar’s growing global diplomatic role but also
invite public engagement with the Ministry’s activities.
In an international competition, the design
commission has been awarded to renowned architect Frida Escobedo, founder of
Frida Escobedo Studio, based in Mexico City and New York. The 70,000 square
meter (750,000 square foot) complex will blend new construction with the
adaptive reuse of the historic 1985 General Post Office, known for its
distinctive modernist design. The project will be set in a lushly landscaped environment
overlooking Doha Bay.
The initiative marks the first major construction in the coastal area north of Qatar's Amiri Diwan, the seat of government, in decades. The goal is to make the Ministry’s headquarters a landmark that reflects Qatar's dedication to diplomacy, conflict resolution, and cultural dialogue. The historic General Post Office, a key architectural feature, will be integrated into the new design as a public space for cultural diplomacy, preserving its unique character while adapting it for modern use.
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His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of
Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, expressed
his gratitude to His Highness The Amir for his vision in selecting the site. He
stated, "MOFA's new headquarters will stand as an icon of Qatar’s
diplomatic achievements and an enduring source of pride, reflecting our
leadership in international negotiations and dialogue."
Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa
Al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, led the competition process as part of
her role in overseeing Qatar Blueprint—a national initiative focused on guiding
urban development and architectural excellence. She praised Escobedo’s design,
which aligns with the country’s values of heritage preservation, sustainability,
and architectural innovation.
“I am grateful to His Highness The Amir for
elevating Qatar's position on the global stage,” Sheikha Al Mayassa said.
“Frida Escobedo's design exemplifies our commitment to adaptive reuse and
sustainability, while delivering an architectural masterpiece for Qatar.”
Escobedo’s design concept centers on
human-scaled spaces and a series of green courtyards that foster reflection,
dialogue, and art. The new building will gently terrace northward, preserving
the sightlines of the General Post Office, while integrating elements of the
building's distinctive façade into the new structure. The Ministry complex will
feature vertical pillars that balance privacy, shade, and transparency,
creating a harmonious relationship between architecture and landscape.
The transformation of the General Post Office’s ground floor into an exhibition space, seamlessly connected to a covered garden, will offer visitors a space for cultural experiences, bridging Qatar's heritage with its contemporary role as a diplomatic and cultural leader.
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Escobedo’s firm, in collaboration with
engineers from Buro Happold and landscape designers from Studio Zewde, was
selected from a pool of 40 invited architectural teams, which was narrowed down
to a shortlist of seven. The competition was managed by Malcolm Reading
Consultants on behalf of Qatar Museums and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This new headquarters is set to become a defining architectural and cultural landmark in Doha, reinforcing Qatar’s commitment to diplomacy, art, and global cooperation.
Source: Gulf Times