qatar national convention centre in doha by arata isozaki and RHWL architects

‘qatar national convention center’ by irata isozaki and RHWL architects, doha, qatarimage © brunner group

scheduled to host the UN climate change conference starting november 26 this year, the qatar national convention centre, QNCC, is considered to be one of the greenest convention centers in the world (see designboom’s earlier coverage here.). opened in december of 2011, the $720 million building, designed by japanese architect arata isozaki  and international practice RHWL architects has proven to attract attention around the world for the iconic bent steel structure spanning 250 meters in the shape of the native sidra tree that grows up to support the overhanging roof structure. the complex houses an immense program capable of hosting thousands of visitors and spectators alike with 10 performance venues, a 4000 seat conference hall, a 2500 seat theater, 52 meeting rooms, several three-tiered auditoria and 40,000 square-meters of exhibition space spread out over nine halls make up just some of the main available functions. a high profile project of this caliber created an opportunity to implement cutting edge sustainable practices in one of the world’s leading emissions-emitting country, acquiring a LEED gold status. solar panels located on the roof, occupancy sensors coupled with energy-efficient LED lights and fixtures and zone-based air control systems greatly reduce the energy consumption in the mammoth construct.

advanced energy-efficient lighting systemimage © martin entertainment

front facade with bent-steel tree columnsimage via

expansive lawn in front of the structureimage © ole chavannes

detail of the steel column connection into the roof structureimage © RHWL architects