Shura Plaza featuring unique artwork completed

*Project includes a decorative hoarding displaying artwork inspired by the concept of 'Shura' among people

  

On the eve of Qatar's historic Shura Council elections, the Supervisory Committee Of Beautification Of Roads And Public Places In Qatar announced the completion of Shura Plaza works in association with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment.The project includes the construction of a decorative hoarding displaying a Qatari artist's creation. Inspired by the concept of 'Shura' among people, the artwork is in co-operation with Qatar Museums."The Shura Plaza Project is part of the Committee’s strategic plan, which aims to create spaces that encourage families to follow a healthy lifestyle," said deputy chairperson engineer Sara Kafood.The plaza, in a strategic location, has many commercial, residential, and medical establishments. Described as a getaway for the residents and visitors of the area, where they can enjoy various activities and events, the plaza can be accessed on foot.The area connects the B-Ring and C-Ring roads from each side.Engineer Maryam al-Kuwari, project design manager at the Committee, explained that the Shura Plaza Project covers an area reaching up to 15,000sqm with green areas covering 80% of the space or about 12,000sqm. She added that the plaza has a 500m pedestrian path, which aims to encourage visitors to exercise and stroll around with their families and friends.

 

All materials used for the construction of the project are eco-friendly, engineer al-Kuwari stated. Also, construction works were implemented as per the local specifications and international standards, in line with Qatar’s initiative of supporting national manufacturers. In that regard, local materials reached up to 70% of total materials used. Local manufacturers provided various materials and building elements, including irrigation pipes, electrical wiring, cables, interlocks and other materials suitable for the Qatari climate.To further add a beautification element to the plaza, and in parallel with the ongoing Shura Council elections, engineer al-Kuwari stated that a decision was made to add an aesthetic 250m long hoarding to act as a platform for an artwork, also for the purpose of promoting artists who use digital drawing technology. Artist Buthayna al-Zamman, the creator of the artwork on the Shura Plaza wall, recalled that the concept was finalised after several discussions with the Committee. It was agreed that the artwork would reflect the proximity of the plaza to the Shura Council building, and also the solidarity of the people and their role in Qatari community. The artwork was done by using digital drawing technology, an advanced drawing method that allows the artist to use electronic devices. It also facilitates controlling the artwork’s dimensions by the artist, while also printing it in different scales. Artist al-Zamman added that the drawings reflect diverse individuals from the community as a modern electronic game. Moreover, quotes related to the idea of Shura between the people was also drawn in Arabic script that is consistent with the overall artwork.The Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar works in co-ordination with several ministries and other entities of the State such as Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Ministry of Transport and Communications, Ministry of Culture and Sports, Qatar Museums Authority, Qatar Railway Company, Private Engineering Office among others. The Committee is responsible for five major tasks including construction of central public parks, providing dedicated lanes for pedestrians and bicycles, development of the Doha Corniche, development of Central Doha, and increasing trees and green areas.The Committee’s work contributes to enhance sustainability through minimising environmental pollution, reducing emission of CO2 through lower consumption and conservation of energy resources. It focuses on providing more public transport options aiming at reduced use of private cars and improve lifestyle through clean and safe transportation. The Committee also works for providing a healthy environment within residential neighbourhoods and public places through increased afforestation and landscaping, which will greatly help in reducing temperature in cities.