Souk Waqif - Aga Khan Award for Architecture
Aga Khan Development Network
 

Souk Waqif

Souk Waqif
 Location: Doha, Qatar (Arabian Peninsula)
Architect: Private Engineering Office, Mohamed Ali Abdullah
Client: Amiri Diwan
Completed: 2008
Design: 2004-2007
Site size: 164'000 m²

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The origins of the Souk Waqif date from the time when Doha was a village and its inhabitants gathered on the banks of the wadi to buy and sell goods. The revitalisation project, a unique architectural revival of one of the most important heritage sites in Doha, was based on a thorough study of the history of the market and its buildings, and aimed to reverse the dilapidation of the historic structures and remove inappropriate alterations and additions. The architect attempted to rejuvenate the memory of the place: modern buildings were demolished; metal sheeting on roofs was replaced with traditionally built roofs of dangeal wood and bamboo with a binding layer of clay and straw, and traditional strategies to insulate the buildings against extreme heat were re-introduced. Some new features were also introduced, such as a sophisticated lighting system that illuminates the market’s streets. In complete contrast to the heritage theme parks that are becoming common in the region, Souk Waqif is both a traditional open-air public space that is used by shoppers, tourists, merchants and residents alike, and a working market.

  • Site plan.

    © Private Engineering Office / Mohammed Ali Abdullah

  • South part of the South-western façade.

    © Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Ziyad Shawkat

  • Street food market and entrance to the cloth market, at early evening.

    © Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Ziyad Shawkat

  • Entrance of the cloth market, next to the street food market yard, on the south western façade.

    © Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Ziyad Shawkat

  • Antiques and collectible market in the South internal space.

    © Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Ziyad Shawkat

  • Shops in the North internal space.

    © Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Ziyad Shawkat

  • Arch in the North internal space.

    © Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Ziyad Shawkat

  • Street in the North internal space.

    © Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Ziyad Shawkat

  • Pet market in the North internal space.

    © Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Ziyad Shawkat

  • Street between Souk Waqif and Souk Al-Ahmad at night.

    © Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Ziyad Shawkat



2010 Award Recipients