Elevating Qatar’s design landscape

The Zwara programme, a transformative initiative by M7 and Qatar Museums, continues to transform Qatar’s creative scene by offering a platform for emerging designers to push the boundaries of innovation, according to participants.

Two of the four Doha-based designers, Stephen Amoyo of the Philippines, presenting *The Waiting Chair, and Abdul Basit of Pakistan, with his innovative “WeaveO” console, credit the programme for allowing them to explore their design ethos and connect with the local artistic community.

The Zwara exhibition is running at M7’s Learning Space until December 18.

Speaking to *Gulf Times, multidisciplinary designer Amoyo said: “It was unexpected for me. When I was chosen, I felt so lucky and blessed. Through the programme, I learned so much about myself and my design ethos.”

“Ironically, my design is about creating community, and that’s exactly what I found here,” he added, highlighting how Zwara offered a safe and supportive space for designers to experiment, something he deeply appreciated.

Amoyo presents *The Waiting Chair, a piece drawing inspiration from the late designer Virgil Abloh’s creative ethos and the iconic work of Jean Prouvé.

It embodies his vision of a flexible, modular design that mirrors Doha’s ever-evolving urban landscape.

“Doha today is a sum total of globalisation, urbanisation, and change,” he pointed out. “I wanted my design to reflect that flexibility, not just as furniture, but as art.”

Basit, meanwhile, brings a fusion of tradition and modernity with his “WeaveO” console.

His work seamlessly blends traditional Qatari Sadu weaving with the Dutch Art Movement, offering a modern take on the geometric patterns and motifs that are deeply rooted in Bedouin culture.

He lauded the Zwara programme for providing opportunities to emerging furniture designers, which in the past was focused on fashion.

“Zwara is all about giving new platforms to young artists. It’s a 10-month mentorship programme that allows us to explore and create,” Basit said. “For me, the inspiration for WeaveO came from my exposure to Qatari culture, which is incredibly hospitable. The design mirrors the physicality and colours of both Sadu weaving and modern art forms.”

The Pakistani designer noted that his reflection on Qatar’s creative landscape paints a promising future.

“The art scene here is vibrant,” he said. “Qatar is developing its architecture, museums, and cultural landscape. They give you exposure to heritage, culture, and design in a way that’s thoughtful, not chaotic.”

In addition to Amoyo and Basit, two other designers are showcasing their works at the exhibition.

Interior designer Hammam al-Abdulla presents *Nusj, a reimagined version of Marcel Breuer's *Wassily Chair.

His design incorporates asymmetrical lines and a woven structure, reflecting both personal and communal aspects of life.

Galyiah al-Mohannadi, another emerging designer, unveils *Saraab, an experimental bookcase inspired by Charlotte Perriand’s *Bibliothèque.

Using locally sourced polychromatic glass, al-Mohannadi’s bookcase invites interaction, with rotating, modular units that allow for various configurations.