The inaugural Design Doha in Qatar simply led to February. By any yardstick, it totally lived as much as what its creative director, Glenn Adamson, described as an occasion that was “epic and unprecedented, spanning the total breadth of design within the Arab world”, with a specific deal with the Center East and North Africa.  

There actually was one thing for everybody right here. From beautiful rugs impressed by the patterns and hues of nature handwoven by Afghan girls villagers to glossy 3D-printed lounges (sure, actually) whose form mimicked shifting sand dunes, to pop-art posters and vivid interpretations of historic Egyptian gods as fashionable ornamental items, the sheer breadth of expertise and creativity was jaw dropping.  

In fact, none of this has occurred in a vacuum. It helps that the Qatari royal household – specifically, Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the charismatic daughter of the present Emir – have been enthusiastic patrons of the humanities scene, pouring in huge quantities of assets to create not simply world-class museums, instructional complexes, public artwork and galleries designed by brand-name architects and artists, but in addition smaller venues in recycled buildings akin to colleges and firehouses that hothouse unbiased designers and creatives. 

Even if you happen to’re an authorized tradition vulture, there is just too a lot artwork, design and tradition to expertise and soak up. After a packed early morning to late evening schedule for 5 days on a latest journey, I nonetheless felt like I had barely scratched the floor. That mentioned, listed below are my prime eight must-sees to cram into your journey. 

MATHAF: ARAB MUSEUM OF MODERN ART