Operational since 1982, the former firehouse was decommissioned in 2012 and redesigned as a multipurpose cultural space. The original structure has been carefully preserved, in an attempt to save an early example of the modern architecture of Qatar. It houses the artist in residency programme, and contains studios for artists and administrative offices. The garage has been converted into a 700 square metre gallery space. The temporary structures surrounding the fire station have been replaced with a U-shaped annex that contains workshop spaces, a foundry, a cinema, shop, and restaurants. Outside, the sculpture plaza opens onto Al-Bidda Park, Doha’s largest urban park, creating a connection to a larger public space.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture