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Applications sought for the Old Doha Prize

(c) Tim Makower

(c) Tim Makower
(c) Tim Makower

(c) Tim Makower

18 July 2013
by Nadia El-Sebai

Applications sought for the Old Doha Prize - a week long design residency and competition in Qatar

The British Council and Qatar Museums Authority, as part of Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture, are seeking applications from architects to participate in the Old Doha Prize.  The competition will bring together architects based in Britain and Qatar for a one week design charette, and take place in Doha from 17-24 November 2013.


The Old Doha Prize is organised in association with the Royal Institute for British Architects (RIBA) and The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL in the UK, as well as the Doha Architecture Centre and Msheireb Properties in Qatar. 

The design charette will offer a chance for UK and Qatar based architects to collaborate, whilst building knowledge and international networks. Five teams will research and explore new ways to address the changing urban landscape of Old Doha. The brief will focus specifically on the neighbourhoods of Al Asmakh and Najada in the heart of Old Doha and will be founded on the principle of Al Turath Al Hai (Living Heritage). This is the idea that heritage is not something set in history; rather something that continually evolves whilst remaining deeply rooted in the past.

The winning team will be awarded the Old Doha Prize and a grant of £15,000, to provide the opportunity and resource to further implement ideas explored as part of the design residency. This might include the implementation of the project in the form of an exhibition, research project, publication, installation, public intervention or film.


How to apply


The Old Doha Prize is open to architects with more than two years’ experience. Applicants must have the full support and endorsement of their architecture practice.

Interested architects should submit an Expression of Interest in the format of an A4 PDF portfolio no longer than 10 pages. The submission must include the following mandatory information:

  • Up to five examples of key projects (realised or speculative) that you feel represent your approach.
  • CV of the architect(s) attending.
  • A short statement (in English or Arabic) that will briefly outline why you are applying to take part in the Old Doha Prize and your perspective on the issue of balancing cultural heritage with contemporary design and development. (Max 500 words)

    Submissions should be in PDF format and not to exceed 2MB in size. These should be emailed to QatarUK2013_UK@britishcouncil.org by 4pm (GMT) on Friday 30 August 2013 in the UK and 4pm (GMT) on Monday 30 September 2013 in Qatar.

  • For more information, details of applicant eligibility, and how to apply, please download the Old Doha Prize Open Call. This is also available in Arabic via the Qatar UK website

    For additional clarification on eligibility and application, please also consult our Questions and Answers document . If you have any unanswered queries however, please do email us at QatarUK2013_UK@britishcouncil.org


    المعلومات التفصيلية و تشمل دعوة للمشاركة بجائزة الدوحة القديمة, متوفرة باللغة العربية من 
    QatarUK website خلال

    For more information about Qatar-UK 2013 Year of Culture please visit: www.qataruk2013.com