RIBA Mashrabiyas...

Examples of some laser-cut mashrabiya prototypes prepared for an upcoming event titled: Shubbak: A Window of Contemporary Arab Culture, taking place at RIBA this July... The event is organized by the London based nous Gallery, and will be realized in collaboration with Independent Architects.

The included mashrabiya prototype modules are titled 'Flap-Cylinder' (above and below) which consists of a number of variously shaped flaps that can be folded/ bent by its user as they see fit. The short video (bottom) shows a module of the 'Dip' masharbiya, where the design's various layers are allowed to fade in and out of visibility...

All the prototypes were designed and made in Qatar at the DFL (Digital Fabrication Lab) at VCUQ...

For samples of earlier related work please click here and here...

Made/ Designed in Qatar...

I've added 2 new categories to the 'Labels' section below - 'Made in Qatar' and 'Designed in Qatar'... The sentiment here is somewhat aligned with maxims 7 and 8 of the Kuwait School Manifesto (which henceforth should perhaps be referred to as the 'Qatar School Manifesto') which outlines a stand in which locally conceived and produced designs, be these actual physical artifacts or more conceptual in nature, should/ can be formulated in a manner which is simultaneously unique and reflective of the local culture and vernacular, whilst being of a calibre, interest and nous relevant to a more international audience... Why shouldn't the label, 'Made in Qatar' evoke the same type of inherent value (desire) as something informing us it's been fabricated or manufactured in Italy or France..? Henceforth all of our designs made here will acknowledge their origins...

Concrete in Copenhagen...

Some photos of experimental concrete projects done by students at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen...

Above & Below - Concrete bench and detail...

The tongue...