Qatar University (QU) celebrated the College of Law building receiving the Merit Award from Engineering News-Record (ENR), a prestigious global engineering magazine. QU president Dr Omar al-Ansari, attended the ceremony, along with several faculty members and representatives from the project's consultant and contractor teams.

College of Law dean Dr Talal al-Emadi, said the American ENR Excellence Award reflects the cumulative efforts made by the faculty and staff. "The College of Law building stands as an architectural masterpiece, symbolising both the identity of the law and the local Qatari architectural heritage while aligning with global standards."

Engineer Alex Hanna, vice-president of Khatib & Alami Consulting Engineers in Qatar, the project consultant, said the aim was to create a distinctive and precise design for the College of Law at QU.

"The combined efforts of QU, Khatib & Alami Consulting Engineers, and contractor Bojamhoor Trading & Contracting have resulted in the College of Law receiving the Merit Award in the Education-Research category of the ENR Global Best Projects Awards 2023, which celebrates the best construction projects worldwide, spanning 21 countries across six continents.”

The ENR Merit Award honours projects that demonstrate exceptional quality, innovation, safety, and achievement. The College of Law building is located on a 52,000sq m site in the northwest of the QU campus, consisting of five floors (basement, ground floor, and three upper levels) with a total area of 53,000sq m. Construction commenced in 2018 and the building was operational by 2021.

The building's overall design draws inspiration from court structures, fusing the distinctive features of a courthouse with the university's contemporary architectural theme. The structure employs a structural system of beams, columns, and girders, connecting three main blocks through two glass bridges. The building’s exterior features travertine stone, mosaic tiles, and glass curtain walls.

Several international standards were followed throughout the design and execution stages. Additionally, the building achieved a four-star rating in the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) for design and construction. The building is equipped with an Access Control System and a Car Management System. Internally, the building boasts open spaces across multiple floors, with travertine stone walls and high glass ceilings (Sky Lights) that reflect the character of traditional courtrooms.

The building accommodates approximately 2,500 students, featuring various classrooms equipped with modern technology, a 200-seat lecture hall, a 362-seat conference hall, and a mock courtroom for student training. It also houses faculty and administrative offices, dining facilities for both male and female students, kitchens, and parking for 282 cars in the basement, as well as 477 shaded outdoor parking spaces.