The Hazm Al Markhiya residential project which won first position in Architecture Award category
The 13th edition of Arab Towns Organisation Awards has disclosed details about the four award-winning entries from Qatar. Doha, Al Wakra, Al Shamal, and Al Rayyan had won prizes in the 13th edition of Arab Towns Organisation Awards announced last week.
The jury members said in their evaluation that Doha city won the first position in "Architecture Award" category for its project Hazm al Markhiya residential project because the project was an excellent place for entertainment and shopping.
The project includes cultural and educational facilities like library, clubs and educational centers for children, among others.
Al Wakrah won the second position in the Architectural Heritage Award for renovation of Al Wakra Fort. Unique, traditional materials were used in the renovation of the fort. The surrounding areas of the fort were beautified, which made it a tourist attraction.
The renovation works were done by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment in collaboration with Qatar Museums Authority.
For Al Shamal town, which won the second position in the "Green Award" category, the jury members said the town focused on planting palm trees and Qatari trees. It also provided playground to children and a place for people with special needs. Because it is a coastal town, it focused on small lakes. In addition to that the project met international standards in implementation.
For Al Rayyan, which came third in "Beautification Award", the jury members said it was due to its big space as one of the biggest towns in Qatar, and was clean. The designs of the projects met international standards and the municipality gave more attention to small details in the parks and offered a stadium for children, in addition to places for people with special needs.
The municipality didn’t ignore the maintenance works and renovation to some places to maintain its identity. Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Award, and Doha Municipality Director, Eng Jamal Matar Al Nuaimi, commented: “I am very proud that four Qatari towns had won prizes in the 13th edition of Arab Towns Organisation Awards, especially Doha municipality for the first position due to a significant architectural value for the project of Al Hazm."
