Doha, Qatar
Ibrahim M. Jaidah, CEO and chief architect of Arab Engineering Bureau has designed a dynamic new interior for his client Qatar Petroleum in the west bay of Doha with a nine-tower office development that includes among other features a five-star business hotel, restaurants, conference center, mosque, and other top-notch amenities.
The Qatar Petroleum District Interior design was short-listed for a 2021 International Architecture Award from The Chicago Athenaeum and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
The project comprises a 692,000 sqm gross floor area of workplace interior which focuses on the specific requirements of Qatar Petroleum, one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies.
The district is made up of 10 high-rise buildings, all linked by a large two-story podium. Nine of the high rises are typical office towers and one tower is dedicated to executive VIPs.
A unique series of interiors were articulated around a concept which focuses on 3 main entities: the desert landscapes, the existing architectural treatment of the district, and the company’s unique brand identity.
The Executive Tower
The executive tower includes offices for Directors, a customized CEO Suite, a large gymnasium and pool, a boardroom on level 20 with majlis and dining facilities, and a large ballroom for high-level events. There are two separate entrances for the staff and VIPs. A grand staircase finished in the finest Italian marble is located in the VIP lobby space. Walls are lined with black glass and faceted acoustic veneers.
An abstract map of Qatar is designed into the floor pattern and surrounds a large sculptural water fountain. At Ground level, staff entrances are accompanied by an open plan Media Center inside a 15m high lobby space. Finishes in high-end Italian marbles and a variety of bronze and copper line the walls and screens. An abstract triangular floor pattern reflects the narrative of the desert scapes.
The ballroom, pre-function, and prayer rooms are held on Podium 1 where the design narrative of high-end marbles and metal finishes continues. Views down to ground level are provided through story height glazing.
A variety of exclusive training facilities are held on the floor above, allowing the employees access to the state-of-the-art development spaces. The CEO suite is located on the first floor where a large office, waiting areas, on-suite bedroom, and boardrooms are all cleverly linked together, providing both private and semi-private areas. A private connection to the gym connects to the CEO suite and an indoor swimming pool is located to the North. Finishes in Calcutta Oro were sourced from specific locations in Italy in order to be completely unique.
Typical offices are fitted with demountable partitions which offer flexibility and adaptation. Ergonomic furniture is specified throughout. Directors’ offices are lined with walnut veneers and solid timber flooring.
Level 20 is the executive floor where high-level guests and clients are welcomed to exclusive dining facilities and a grand majlis before entering the main boardroom.
The angled, faceted narrative is echoed in the design of the reception counter, again finished in high-end Italian marbles and bronze. A series of custom-designed carpets feature in the waiting areas and directors’ rugs, all resembling different abstract features of specific desert locations where oil was first located in Qatar. The executive brand identity is reflected in the corridor wall treatments and details found in artworks.
A Center for Health and Wellness provides Qatar Petroleum staff with state-of-the-art health care facilities. A concept influenced by local healing fauna was reflected upon during the design. Consultation rooms and specialist care facilities are all integrated into the plan and joined by a common corridor and waiting areas.
The Podium
A large podium provides access to all the towers over 2 levels. Offices, a library, visitors center, VIP lounge, and cafeteria are some of the facilities provided. 15m high lobby spaces are located in 3 main entrances and all are finished with high-end Italian marble. Podium volumes are broken up with atriums and voids, which exploit views of the Ground Level. A main staff canteen and gymnasium over 2 floors is accessible to all QP staff.
The Typical Towers
The typical towers cater to senior staff and ELS employees. Floors are fitted out with demountable partitions and ergonomic loose furniture, all focused on a healthy and productive working environment. Carpet tiles were developed to continue the narrative of the desert and reflect the architectural geometries.
The Auditorium A large auditorium and pre-function is housed in a separate building and caters to specific QP events. Italian marbles and custom carpets dress the interior and contdesert-scapesrative of desert-scapes.
The Artworks Artworks for the projects are divided into 3 categories. Primary for executive areas, secondary for directors’ level spaces, and tertiary for all typical spaces. Local artists are commissioned to design specific large-scale pieces in the lobby areas and CEO suite.
Project: Qatar Petroleum District Interior
Architects: Arab Engineering Bureau aka AEB
Client: Qatar Petroleum
Contractor: Medgulf Construction Co. W.L.L.
Photographer: Arab Engineering Bureau
