The building was conceived as part of the long term plan by the Qatar Government to provide a complex of new cultural and governmental buildings. They form part of a larger master plan to develop the corniche as a complex of buildings, shops, restaurants, galleries, walkways and other attractions.
Being the first buildings of the master plan, the design is an attempt to to develop a language of forms which could be used as a basis for unifying the design of future buildings on the corniche. The arcaded walkways defining the ornamental gardens linking the buildings. The simple arches and plain walls finished in a single material were conceived as unifying elements.
The design is two buildings; one containing offices, the other a theatre, connected by a large, rectangular, arcaded, landscaped courtyard.
Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture
