The former Ministry of Interior building has been transformed into a 90-room boutique hotel with seven restaurants. The adaptive reuse demonstrates a commitment to reducing the carbon impact of construction and supports local regional cultural identity. Originally designed in the 1970s by Lebanese architect William Sednaoui, the listed structure is a rare landmark from Doha’s early modern development and considered an important demonstration of Middle Eastern brutalist architecture. The building was carefully refurbished, adapted for use as a luxury hotel and extended by an additional top floor. A new podium level, shaded by a brise soleil canopy of slender concrete ribs, features public spaces, art installations, gardens and water basins that aid with passive cooling, and a spacious event pavilion. Carefully integrated additions are characterised by high-quality materials, including white Calacatta and green Tinos marble as well as travertine and Iroko wood. An inner courtyard forms the heart of the complex, with bars and restaurants, while the new rooftop houses a spa, fitness centre and club lounge, offering views over the Persian Sea and city skyline.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture