BLUEPRINTS for the MIDEAST

Nikolai Ouroussoff, architecture critic for New York Times made an interesting video interview with four famous museum architects: I.M. Pei, Frank Gehry, Norman Foster and Jean Nouvel.

Two Cities, Four Architects

Two cities on the Persian Gulf, Doha and Abu Dhabi are the settings for vast construction projects, including major new museums designed by some of the world’s most celebrated architects.

I.M. Pei

spoke about the simple geometric forms that make up his Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, and he described the clarity of the desert sunlight as a central influence.

Frank Gehry

is building a branch of the Guggenheim that is 12 times the size of its New York headquarters. He spoke of an intuitive design approach.

Norman Foster

is designing the National Museum in Abu Dhabi. His project is built on Saadiyat Island, and he talked about history as a guide to sustainable structures in a hot environment.

Jean Nouvel

has projects in both cities. His branch of the Louvre in Abu Dhabi is covered by a huge dome. His other project, in Doha, is the National Museum of Qatar. It was inspired by the shape of local sand roses.