Qatar has always thrived on creativity, from the intricately embroidered textiles and exquisitely designed jewelry of its earliest civilizations to its contemporary position as a global hub for art and innovation. Qatar Creates promotes and celebrates this deep commitment to creativity across disciplines and media ranging from rt and design, to fasshion and film. This focus on creative thinking is essential as the country continues the natural transition from a carbon-based economy to a creative one. To that end, a general plan , Qatar National Vision 2030, chars a course toward becoming a vibrant, advanced society with a well-prepared, inspired, and creative workforce. A global destination to converge for diplomatic dialogue and cultural xchange. A country that is open to the world while remaining true to itself.
Building a Creative Nation underscores Qatar's dedication to architecture as a strategic tool in achieving these forward-looking cultural goals, whether by preserving its own built heritage, adapting existing buildings, or commissioning new works by leading design preactices. The exhibition presents a sample of significant cultural projects - some already completed and five currently underway - highlighting each building as both a venue for culture and a means for trasforming culture. These projects by international acclaimed practices, including Herzog & de Meuron, OMA, UNStudio, Philippe Starck and ELEMENTAL, represent buildings that are closely aligned with Qatar's broader cultural objectives. Each of the following five galleries asks a question about diplomacy, mobility, education, inspiration or interaction. Through in-depth process documentation and immersive design concept presentation, the projects are positioned as carefully considered architectural responses to some of the nation's essential questions.
As Qatar continues its decades-long investment in culture within and beyond its borders, the country presents a model for creative growth, a real-time laboratory of the future. Not only are these cultural venues iconic structures of international importance, but each is also building a new way of thinking about what Qatar aspires to be.