Doha, Qatar
UNStudio has revealed its plans for the Dadu, Children’s Museum of Qatar whose design is conceived as an educational tool for self-led learning journeys and will become a unique place for learning and growth through inclusive, open-ended play, exploration, and experimentation.
The name Dadu derives from Arabic and means Play
Ben van Berkel and Caroline Bos have decided to adopt the shape of the cube as the museum’s elemental architectural form so its design comprises 15 architectural cubes enclosing a central space, surrounded by gardens.
The layout of the design is inspired by how historic villages in the Doha area were arranged and were designed to become a safe central gathering space.
The universal design addresses the needs of different age groups, creating a place where parents feel supported, and children can cement a positive relationship with museums that will remain as they grow older.
“The museum is organized around the principle of how old villages in Doha develop,” explains Van Berkel.
“There was a central patio where families would live around and kids could play in the middle and feel safe because the parents are near.”
“Maybe they could not always see the kids, but they could hear them, and this idea was introduced into the central gathering space where kids play can on their own.”
Project: Dadu – Children’s Museum of Qatar
Architects: UNStudio
Lead Architects: Ben van Berkel and Caroline Bos
Client:
Renderings: UNStudio
