Qatar
New book takes readers on an architectural journey of Qatar
Architect Ibrahim Mohamed Jaidah launches his newest book, ‘Discovering Arabian Deco, Early Modern Architecture in Qatar'
Al-Attiyah Gate, an illustration from the book.
Ghanim Bin Ali Gate, an illustration from the book.
A view of the audience at the book launch event. PICTURE: Thajudheen.
Architect Ibrahim Mohamed Jaidah speaking at the launch of his latest book, 'Discovering Arabian Deco, Early Modern Architecture in Qatar.' PICTURE: Thajudheen.
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Architect Ibrahim Mohamed Jaidah signing his latest book, 'Discovering Arabian Deco, Early Modern Architecture in Qatar,' at the launch event. PICTURE: Thajudheen.
A 3D model of the cover of architect Ibrahim Mohamed Jaidah's latest book, 'Discovering Arabian Deco, Early Modern Architecture in Qatar.' PICTURE: Thajudheen.
Architect Ibrahim Mohamed Jaidah has launched his newest book, ‘Discovering Arabian Deco, Early Modern Architecture in Qatar’, taking readers “on an architectural journey of urban development since the discovery of oil through the three most significant decades”.
The publication features an exceptional collection of rare photographs, drawings, and reproductions, as well as underlines the architectural transformation in the capital city from the “1950s to urban necessity in the 1960s to urban modernity in the 1970s.”
“This is my fourth book. I did a history of architecture in Qatar before the oil period, I did the interior designs the Qatari style, the 99 domes, but this book is about Discovering Arabian Deco, the Qatari Early Modern Architecture, from the discovery of oil until the end of the 70’s,” the author said on the sidelines of a signing ceremony at Msheireb Museum’s Bin Jelmood House at Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD) on Tuesday.
Jaidah’s book also puts a spotlight on the 1960s movement, named ‘Arabian Deco’, and presents some of the pivotal moments during these periods that shaped Doha’s development.
“You got the first school, first apartment buildings, first banks, it is also documented in this (book). It’s a very important era (1950s, 1960s, and 1970s). The unique thing is... I’ve discovered that there was also a Deco style architecture, and I call it Arabian Deco because it has palm trees, it has eagles, so I think it is so unique and it is something that I want to feature,” he said. “It is the first time this style has been highlighted in our architectural history.”
Jaidah noted that he has done an extensive research for the book, which included a huge archive of photos he has taken for the last 35 years, in addition to having a research team within his firm, AEB Qatar.
An exhibition was also organised as part of the event, showcasing the book’s highlights depicted through 3D-printed models and architectural illustrations with a focus on the buildings from the Arabian Deco era. The exhibition is open to the public at the Mohammed bin Jassim House Museum at MDD.
In a press statement, Msheireb Museums manager Abdulla al-Naama said: “We are proud to host the book launching of one of the renowned Qatari architects and authors. Our hosting of the event reiterates our mission of supporting the creative community and offering them a platform to reach out to the wider community. “Besides, the book will be available in Msheireb Museums’ library to allow researchers, academics, students and readers to purchase or have more information about our rich legacy. This is a crucial step to document our heritage and preserve it for the coming generations”.
The book is now available at Msheireb Museum’s gift shop, located on the ground floor of Bin Jelmood House.
