$5.5 billion sustainable regeneration of downtown Doha

The world’s largest collection of LEED-certified buildings is to created in Doha’s historical and cultural district. When complete, the Msheireb regeneration project, which will cost approximately $5.5 billion, will comprise 100 new buildings.

Construction of the first development phase is already underway and the Diwan Amiri Quarter located in the Mohamed Bin Jassm District adjacent to Amiri Diwan and Souq Waqif will eventually feature three major government buildings, including the national archive, heritage sites, a museum and an Eid prayer ground.

The developers, Msheireb, are looking to develop a location that will consume fewer natural resources and generate less waste, slash operating expenses, and significantly reduce the city's carbon footprint.

 

Water and energy conservation practises will be implemented, public spaces will facilitate community interaction, and cultural centres will promote a strong Qatari cultural identity. The city will also establish a sophisticated sustainable waste management program and source high performance building materials from local sources.

Rooftop solar panels combined with a smart grid will reduce Doha’s carbon emissions, the 11,000 parking spaces will be underground to minimise the urban heat island effect, and the city’s new rail program will run through the center so that there will be an increased opportunity to leave cars at home. Experts from Harvard, Princeton, Yale and MIT have contributed their experience and expertise to the project to ensure that the 100 new buildings will meet the highest standards of sustainable design.

Albeit at phenomenal expense, Msheireb could transform the way other states in the Gulf region approach future design projects and provide a much-needed supply chain for genuinely sustainable materials. Carefully planned to unfurl in five distinct phases with exceptional attention to detail (compared to many projects that are thrown up as quickly as possible with very little thought given to their long-term viability,) it is expected to be completed by 2016.

 

Image 01 - Doha Skyline, Amjra

Image 02 - Doha, Detailed Copyright-Information