Doha: The Exhibitions Department of Qatar Museums has announced the launch of the first-ever global workshop titled "Architecture and Design - Turning Vision Into a Universal Dialogue." This groundbreaking initiative aims to unite architects, designers, and students from around the world in a comprehensive program that blends lectures, workshops, and public events to foster international collaboration and dialogue.
According to Qatar News Agency, the program coincides with the exhibition "I. M. Pei: Life is Architecture" at Al Riwaq, expanding its themes by offering a dynamic platform for addressing contemporary questions in architecture and design. Participants are inspired by the legacy of I. M. Pei to explore how architecture can protect heritage, promote innovation, and respond to global challenges.
The program spans from October 29, 2025, to February 14, 2026, and is supported by HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums. It is led by Sheikha Reem Al-Thani, Deputy CEO of Exhibitions, Public Art, and Rubayia, along with a dedicated team. This initiative facilitates meaningful connections between international and local experts, aspiring to drive professional growth within the architectural community.
Renowned architects such as Herzog and de Meuron, OMA, Lina Ghotmeh, Ibrahim Al Jaidah, and Foster + Partners, along with other notable contributors, will bring global perspectives to the workshop, enriching the exchange of ideas and inspiring future generations to envision a harmony between innovation and heritage.
The workshop is strategically scheduled alongside cultural events like Qatar Creates Week, Art Basel, and Design Doha, among others. The schedule includes workshops, talks, debates, and film screenings, inviting a global audience to engage with vital questions in architecture and design.
Leading the program are global experts such as Alejandro Aravena, Aric Chen, and Elena Manferdini, who will explore exhibition-making from concept to curation. Regional specialists like Marina Tabassum and local contributors ensure that Qatar's cultural context remains central to the discussions.
The program also collaborates with ten leading universities to foster cross-cultural dialogue and research, empowering emerging talents in the architectural field. Partnerships with the Ministry of Municipality, Ashghal, and Qatar Tourism emphasize a commitment to sustainable urban development and innovation.
Finally, the program's cinematic exploration, in collaboration with the Doha Film Institute and others, offers new perspectives on architecture through film, encouraging discussions on the built environment.