QNCC - Qatar National Convention Center

Photo: QNCC

Doha, has a lot to see...and one place you should not skip is the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) for all the reasons, but specially for its unparalleled,  sophisticated, incredible state of the art design and facility.

This Convention and Exhibition Centre open in 2011, design by the renowned and avant-garde Japanese Architect Arata Isozaki, who's first notable building is the Oita Prefectural Library (1966). Other famous structures among is work are the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art (1986) and Art Tower (1990) in Mito, Japan.

QNCC, is a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) and its one of the most environmentally friendly large scale event venues of its kind in the world, and the first of its kind being built to achieve the gold certification of U.S.Green Building Council's (USGBC), Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED). 

To host environmentally sustainable and energy efficient features QNCC added many features into its design which includes 3,500 square metres of solar paneling, on the top roof, which provides up to 12.5% of the Centre's energy consumption. Iinstallation of high efficiency water fixtures reduced the use of potable (drinkable) water within the Centre by 40%.

Day-light used is maximized throughout the Centre which reduces the energy consumption normally used for lighting, also automated shade devices are provided to shade the east and west elevations of the exterior window walls from the direct sun, thus reducing the air-conditioning requirement.

Sidra Tree

When you approach QNCC building, the first thing you notice is this huge breathtaking structure at the entrance resembling a tree. In fact, this structure is inspired in a iconic symbol of the Qatari culture, the Sidra Tree or lote tree, grows with it's branches to support the overhanging roof structure.

Photo: the blue chic
It symbolizes the Qatar Foundation's three pillars of education, science and research and community development. Also signifies nourishment, strength, courage, learning and growth, it was traditionally, a meeting place in the desert to share knowledge between poets and scholars but also as a place to provide a cool shade, fruits, leaves for medical use in the harsh conditions of the Qatari desert.

Photo: the blue chic

"The Sidra tree, growing strong and proud in the harshest of environments, has been a symbol of perseverance and nourishment across the borders of the Arab world. What is the significance of this glorious tree? With its roots bound in the soil of this world and its branches reaching upwards toward perfection, it is a symbol of solidarity and determination; it reminds us that goals of this world are not incompatible with the goals of the spirit."
Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser
Qatar Foundation Chairperson, at the inauguration of Education City, 13 October 2003.

Mamman 

Right in the middle of the main entrance foyer, a magnificent sculpture captures your attention, not only by its size, but also by its beauty.

This 8 legged spider sculpture made of steel, named "Mamman" (1999) rises 9 meters high,  right in the middle of the main hall. With a sac containing 17 white and grey eggs made of marble, a symbolism of motherhood.

Created by the american artist Louise Bourgeois, a tribute to her mother, "Mamman" represents a continual renewal of the cycle of life.

"The Spider is an ode to my mother. She was my best friend. Like a spider, my mother was a weaver. My family was in the business of tapestry restoration, and my mother was in charge of the workshop. Like spiders, my mother was very clever. Spiders are friendly presences that eat mosquitoes. We know that mosquitoes spread diseases and are therefore unwanted. So, spiders are helpful and protective, just like my mother."                                                                         Louise Bourgeois

Photo: the blue chic

Facilities

Inside QNCC, there is a great variety of facilities which includes a ceremonial drop-off area, 40,000 square metres of exhibition space over nine halls, adaptable to be used for a conference or banquet. 

The exhibition halls are stunning by its dimension and incredible adaptability. With the possibility to be divided in the needed size.

Photo: QNCC

Also in the conference hall with a capacity for 4,000 seats or half when used for a banqueting venue, has this amazing decorative customized chandeliers, dubbed Oyster Lights, with colour changing panels viewed through arrays of Swarovski crystals. This superb chandeliers can span five meters when opened and create an incredible intimate experience in the hall

Three auditoria  and 52 conference rooms, meeting centre which can be used for dining functions or large meetings.
The conference Hall, is impressive by its versatility, the reversible furniture is able to transform a chair into a table, increasing the functionality and adaptability for the event being held.

Photo: QNCC

Photo: the blue chic

A impressive Lyric Theatre with 2,300 seats,  with a exterior curved wall with customized RGB LED star-points with 180 degree viewing angles mounted at leather panel intersections. These individual panels can be program sequences giving the impression of dynamic waves and sparkle reflecting in the glass curtain wall.

The theatre has the highest grade for quality, and like in most halls, leather stand out in the furniture. It has high quality, it's durable and has clean ability. The colors chosen are gorgeous matching perfectly the architectural materials.

 Photo: QNCC

Photo: the blue chic

QNCC, also has a small cafeteria, mosques for men and women, secure loading zone and crate storage for exhibitors, and parking for over 2,300 vehicles which connects directly with the convention centre.

A place to go....definitely! At least to one of the many events held in the Lyric Theatre...