the museum of islamic arts is an impressive building located on an artificial island with a 60m palm tree lined causeway off of the corniche. although it has been completed for some time now, it is not due to open until nov. 22 of this year. this stunning building was designed by i.m. pei - the same architect who designed the glass pyramid at the louvre in paris. the chinese american architect is 90 years old and was apparently lured out of retirement to undertake this work. additionally, in order to build the museum based on islamic design, pei travelled throughout the islam world to learn and become inspired by other islamic architecture. 
pei selected a stone from france called the shamisen stone to protect and resist it from the elements - the harsh sun, the heat and the salt heavy sea water. the cubic shapes of the design will interplay with the sun and the shadows. 
pei selected a stone from france called the shamisen stone to protect and resist it from the elements - the harsh sun, the heat and the salt heavy sea water. the cubic shapes of the design will interplay with the sun and the shadows. 
the museum will display islamic artifacts that qatar's royal family has been collecting for years. the building will also house an education/ research centre, a library, an auditorium, a five star restaurant and a shop. there will also be a marina to provide docking for guests arriving via water.
watch this space for an update in november...
1 comment:
It looks very clean. Did you say a gift shop??? Cannot wait to hear about the artifacts it will hold.
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