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12 SITES ConstruCtion QFIS discusses architecture, urbanism in Islamic societies QFIS looked at ways to study the future of Islamic architecture and urban development in Gulf countries The Centre for Islamic Architecture and Urban Planning of Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies (QFIS), a member of Qatar Foundation, organized its first international symposium on “Shaping the Future of Architecture and Urbanism in Islamic Societies” recently. QFIS looked at ways to study the future of Islamic architecture and urban development in Gulf countries. “We are trying to deliver a different view than engineering colleges to our students by putting architecture in its Islamic perspective and its physical effect on the society,” Remah Y Gharib, assistant professor at QFIS, said. The aim of the symposium was to expand the horizon for students and stretch out their imagination by gathering presenters from international and local universities and research institutions. The symposium followed a nine-day lecture series. “All of the presenters are big professors but with different views, some lean towards modern architecture, some not,” Gharib said. But Why not offer this degree in engineering college? Gahrib explained: “As any other Islamic country in the region, Qatar is suffering from the effects of globalization. This has resulted in a loss of identity, which is not good for our societies and we need to face it. We need to understand the effect of religion on our values and our physical environment. This is why it is very important to study the Islamic architecture from an Islamic dimension, without forgetting that we are in an architectural field.” He pointed out that Orientalists used to view traditional Islamic cities as randomly built, which is not true. “The architecture of such cities was following a specific rule and this rule was based on privacy, local customs and traditions, and various Islamic values that shaped such cities.” He said: “If the fast and vast development taking place in Islamic cities is not controlled, we will start seeing modern buildings with glass facades that are just following the global trend without paying attention to our values.” He added that another reason for establishing the center was the deterioration occurring in our cities. “Are governments responsible for that by focusing on high end real estate developments? Did we think of ways to work on the people’s various level of strata, putting into account the type of real estate needed for other levels? To answer such questions, we need to teach architecture from the perspective of the Islamic society. We need to study the basics so that we can learn how developing the city according to these principal will work for us and benefit us,” he said. Dr Hatem el Karanshawy, dean of Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies, opened the conference by explaining the faculty’s goals and dedication to conduct Islamic-grounded research in the field through the newly-established research center and the master’s degree program. He presented the essential need to develop the ideas of planners and architectures in the Islamic world and specifically in Doha and explain to them how we could face the challenges of globalization using the Islamic values in architecture. Professor Attilio Petruccioli, dean of architecture at the Polytechnic University for Bari in Italy, discussed the aspects of continuity versus fragmentation within the contemporary Muslim urban fabric and how urban environments might be sustained in the near future. He focused on architecture in North African countries and southern Europe. He discussed how cities were established, especially from the perspective of landscape architecture. He referred to societies that had started on top of the mountains then went down to the valleys and how this had affected the architecture of the houses in these societies. “The geographic features of these places were steep so houses were built on different levels. That’s why we find courtyard houses of these times and places distorted somehow according to landscape,” Gharib explained in an interview with <strong>QC</strong>S. Professor Nasser Rabbat, the Aga Khan professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, discussed the beginning of Islamic architecture and the different means of defining the character of Islamic architecture. He talked about Cairo during the Mamluks era and how they wanted to make a shift from what had been the norm during The Ayyubid dynasty. This shift was not restricted to the architecture style but also affected the urban distribution inside the city. According to Gharib, Cairo was known by the Qasabah Street, which was the main street in the capital, until Salah ad-Din Al Aioubi built the citadel during the Ayyubid dynasty. The Mamlukis then made a new small street from Bab Zuweila; the medieval gate in Cairo, to the citadel and made it more important than Qasabah street because this was the Sultan’s walkway. They managed to do so by establishing all the significant buildings on the sides of this street. They also tried to push the minarets and domes to the fringe of the street so they could appear from the gates of the palace. Later on, people who wanted to woo the Sultan would build the most important buildings on that street. The lecture showed how this political situation affected the city’s urbanization and how even the personal opinions of the rulers had its impact on its architecture. Then he discussed the modern metropolis of Cairo and what happened to Cairo regarding expansion and population increase, and how this affected the city’s urban development. He referred to the deterioration of historic places and the increase of random districts in the fringes around Cairo due to rural immigration to the city, making Cairo very compacted and one of the busiest cities of the world. On the other hand, Dr Mohamed Al Assad focused on Belad Al Sham from Palestine to Syria. He covered the history briefly and focused more on modern architecture. He showed how the efforts of new and young architectures to develop a new style for cities of this region without going back to any reference resulted in new architectural styles. Some of which were successful, some were not. Prof Ashraf M Salama, head of the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning at Qatar University, seized the audience’s attention with a tricky question: “Are we trying to promote global architecture in Doha or is Doha trying to promote global architecture and turn into a global city?” Dr Salama pointed out that while we were trying to understand what was going on in the city of Doha, we need not forget that during the Mamlouks era they tried to force their architecture on their predecessors in order to show off and be the capital of the region. So Cairo witnessed a very active period for the architecture. “This is like what is going on now. So are we trying to stand in its way? Isn’t this the normal trend?” he asked. Gharib presented the solid relationship between revitalization of historic quarters and the policies driving emerging and developing projects in the case of Cairo, taking into account the deterioration that had occurred during 30 years of false legal approach to the way of development. “In 1980 Cairo was declared by the Unesco as a historical city. Since that date and up until now historical Cairo has been in deterioration, simply because the laws and policies are not in accordance with international standards regarding preserving of the architectural environment and historical cities.”In Egypt’s case, he said that the specialized committees in the house of parliament prepared the law and then got the approval of the authorities concerned, but there was no connection between the law and the Unesco guidelines for preserving historical Cairo. “The local policies focused on the “status quo” in these areas; while the Unesco guidelines spoke about how to revive these areas and reuse these historical buildings, because buildings will never evolve unless we use them.” Gharib compared two cases; the case of the restoration of Al Moez Street by the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the Al Darb Al Ahmar project which was handled by the Agha Khan Foundation. The latter worked according to its own legal guidelines and involved the society in the area which led to a sense of loyalty to the place from its residents and created civil organizations inside that society, which are all Islamic values. On the other side, the Al Moez Street project was handled by the Supreme Council of Antiqui- aRt & deSign ties, which followed the law by the book and only did a face-lifting to the street without paying any attention to the residents and the society in the area. It actually affected the residents in the street negatively by closing the street and thus killing its spirit leading to an economical and social decline. Prominent Saudi architect professor Sami Angawi, who worked on projects in Makkah and Medina extensively, attended both the symposium and the lecture series. He favors a new idea called Al Mizan (Meaning the scale). Al Mizan is an approach to achieve equilibrium in all aspects of the built environment whereby we subject everything to continuous evaluation to see which is heavier and thus more useful for our societies. Angawi referred to the vast architectural change that took place in Makkah and the demolishing of old houses, focusing on high buildings which led to the “dwarfing” of Al Haram Al Makki. The conference concluded by Prof Abdel Wahid al Wakil, head of the Center of Islamic Architecture and Urban Planning of QFIS, reminding the audience of the need to preserve the Islamic architecture and stop promoting modernism because the former is an expression of our values and local materials. He advised against running after monumentalism in architecture and focusing on iconic buildings, rather than looking at what we need in our societies.
LocaL 160 firms attend Power-Gen and WaterWorld Middle East event More than 160 companies from 23 different countries took part in the Power-Gen and WaterWorld Middle East 2012 conference and exhibition held in Doha in February. The event brought together more than 120 international experts and speakers. Regional and international perspectives about topical power and water issues and opportunities for future growth and development were presented at the conference along with innovative solutions using pioneering technology to overcome the financial, resource and environmental challenges facing today’s power and water industry. Engineer Yousef Ahmed Janahi, Manager of Corporate Planning and Business Development for Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa), spoke on the corporation’s plans. He highlighted the most important projects for upgrading customer services, electricity networks and for the development of water systems. Janahi announced that Kahramaa intended to implement a package of strategic projects. During the next five years 2012- 2016, several projects would be executed aiming to rationalize consumption, improve services, develop an integrated safety system and strengthen production capacities, which witnessed a record surge in 2011. Janahi pointed out that the corporation was keen to direct all sectors to work on ensuring consistency with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. The adoption of the slogan, “The consistency of Kahramaa strategy and its five-year plan with the national development strategy of the State of Qatar 2011/ 2016”, underlined the commitment. He pointed out that Kahramaa had developed necessary plans and undertaken studies to implement several projects to meet any water crises that might face the country. He noted that Kahramaa always bore in mind the interest of users as it offered several projects to improve and upgrade customer services. Kahramaa, it may be noted in the connection, held an annual planning forum in December 2011 under the patronage of HE Dr Mohammed Bin Saleh Al Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry. Water Networks Affairs Director, Eng Ali Saif Al-Malki chaired the meeting as representative of Kahramaa President Eng Essa Hilal Al-Kuwari. Jinahi revealed during the conference that the initial indicators had showed that Kahramaa required about QR16.2 billion for the current main projects. Talking about the operational expenses, he said that it was estimated at QR1.3 billion. Regarding future projects, Kah- ramaa had announced earlier its determination to implement a package of strategic projects. • First, during the 2012-2016 Five-Year Plan, Kahramaa is expected to implement several projects aimed at rationalizing the consumption. There are also projects that enhance services and develop an integrated safety system strengthening the capacity of production which witnessed a record increase in 2011 as shown by the following information: * At Mesaieed Station “A”, electrical production reached its maximum which amounts to 2,400 megawatts in 2011. * Ras Abu Funtas “A” Station was able to produce a designed capacity of 45 million gallons of water per day during the year. * Ras Laffan “C” Station produced 2,730 megawatts in the year 2011 in addition to 63 million water gallons per day representing its designed capacity. • Second, in the field of developing main electricity networks, the pace of construction and modernization continues. Consequently, the ongoing 10th stage, with its first and second phases, has been awarded. This stage forms an essential addition and a quantum leap in electricity transmission network in the State of Qatar with its main stations as well as overhead and ground transmission lines. • Third, in the field of water networks development, ambitious development plans have been put in place. These plans will result in adding water tanks, which have a total capacity of more than 1,600 million gallons, and associated water transmission and distribution networks. • Fourth, in order to achieve strategic water security in the state, Kahramaa has set plans to study and implement the construction of water storage tanks leading to ensure the supply of water for up to seven days under any exigent circumstances. In addition, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Qatar Petroleum and the Program of Qatar for Food Security, Kahramaa plans to study the feasibility of feeding underground pool by injecting sweet water to ensure the continuity of securing water stock that meets the demand for as long as 90 days so as to face any water crises under any unforeseen circumstances that might face the state. • Fifth, in order to provide better services for customers, Kahramaa has developed plans to introduce several projects that improve electricity and water services, including the establishment of an emergency communications center and the project of reading meters remotely. The satisfaction of customers remains a strategic goal of the corporation. • Sixth, in the field of information technology, the corporation continues to apply latest technologies in all fields so as to improve customer service and support the efficiency of the corporation’s services. • Seventh, Kahramaa has longterm plans to develop power generation and desalination capacity and it has identified the most appropriate electricity production technologies and the provision of drinking water over the coming years. The plans have taken into account the efficiency of production as well as environmental impact and economic aspects. Renewable energy, particularly solar energy, is of great concern as it means reducing dependence on gas. Regarding nuclear energy, it has been and will continue to be important as a main source of clean energy in the future. A contract concerned with consultancy services is under implementation in order to determine the feasibility of establishing hydroelectric nuclear power plants in the state. This is accompanied with the effective contribution of the corporation in regional and international cooperation using this technology for peaceful purposes under the umbrella of the Ministry of Environment. • Eighth, energy trading studies with neighboring countries and technical cooperation with friendly nations witness a strong boost. The corporation was encouraged to trade energy by launching and operating a Gulf network of electricity connection. • Ninth, in the area of manpower, the corporation’s priorities will remain as ever: Qatarization of jobs and appointing competencies in vacant posts. • Tenth, concern on environmental aspects as well as the safety and health of employees and citizens is considered within the four strategic goals of the corporation. These goals have received significant interest that was reflected in a growing product quality and a decline in the number and seriousness of workplace accidents. The measurement of success in achieving these goals and others occurs through performance indicators by comparing them to levels achieved in similar global institutions. The corporation has made great strides through its active participation in presiding over the Committee on Benchmarking for Arab Gulf Countries. Nuclear energy During the Power-Gen and WaterWorld Middle East 2012 Conference and Exhibition, Janahi stated that the use of nuclear energy was under study but no clear decision had been made in this regard so far. He indicated that the establishment of nuclear power stations required direct coordination with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Ministry of environment. He added that Kahramaa would continue with the construction and expansion of water networks as well as building pumping stations and giant reservoirs. He explained that the corporation was executing initial designs for some water network projects and their tenders would be issued soon, noting that expansion and development projects of transmission networks had been assigned to international companies. Desalination Mahmoud Abu Madi, Head of Internal planning, outlined the efficiency of the desalinated water operations system in the Qatari Electricity and Water Corporation. He mentioned that SITESConstruCtion The corporation is keen to direct all sectors to work on ensuring consistency with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 The conference in progress the corporation had activated new systems in water and power plants. He reviewed the company’s efforts in its quest to secure water needs. During the conference, discussions about innovative solutions using modern technology were introduced aiming to overcome financial difficulties and environmental challenges as well as limited resources and other challenges facing the energy and water industry. During conference sessions, which lasted for two days, 14 technical and strategic seminars took taken place. Panel discussions centered on six themes. Discussions covered technical and strategic issues as well as updates and developments facing energy and water industries in addition to drain- 13 age water. Experts from all over the world attended these sessions. The conference discussed important issues such as “techniques used to improve flexibility in operating processes and the development of renewable energy technologies” and “ techniques used in the field of environment and post- crises trends in the field of finance”. Another issue reviewed at the conference was investment outlook in the markets of energy producing countries. The conference area at Qatar National Convention Centre had increased by 15% from the previous year. Also, turnout rate had gone up by about 50% than last year. This was an indicator of the growing popularity of the conference.
Page 1 and 2: Issue No.56, - March 2012 Qatar has
Page 3 and 4: Finance MICROSERVE’s BRANDS SITES
Page 5 and 6: Local News
Page 7 and 8: LocaL Architecture & Planning Group
Page 9 and 10: MunicipaLity FocuS New park opens T
Page 11: Construction News
Page 16 and 17: Local last 500 square meters !!! se
Page 18 and 19: 18 Fresh water has become a very va
Page 20 and 21: 20 Plastic production started in th
Page 22 and 23: 22 SITES ConstruCtion More European
Page 24 and 25: 24 SITES ConstruCtion Ashghal expan
Page 26 and 27: 26 SITES ConstruCtion The Pearl Qat
Page 28 and 29: 28 March & April 2012 SITES Constru
Page 30 and 31: 30 SITES ConstruCtion QataR pRoject
Page 32: Openbox IP Telephone System | KCIC

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