Minister of Municipality Unveils 'Studio 18' within the Urban Planning Sector

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According to the Ministry of Municipality, the event was attended by assistant undersecretaries, general directors of municipalities, department directors, and representatives from various professional, research, and academic institutions, including Qatar University, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Museums, Ministry of Culture, and renowned planning experts in Qatar.

During the ceremony, Minister Al Subaei emphasized the significance of Studio 18 as a hub for creativity and inspiration. He highlighted its role in documenting the pivotal stages of Qatar's development, particularly in urban development and planning over the past five decades. The Minister emphasized the importance of preserving and documenting urban plans and the collective efforts undertaken during this period. Studio 18 is envisioned as a source of inspiration for specialists, allowing them to reflect on the accomplishments made and build upon the realities and future prospects. Minister Al Subaei commended the urban planning sector for its outstanding achievements in city planning.

Eng. Fahad Muhammad Al-Qahtani, the Assistant Undersecretary for Urban Planning Affairs, underscored the vital role of the urban planning sector in realizing the objectives of Qatar Vision 2030, particularly in terms of human development and knowledge dissemination.

Eng. Abdullah Al-Karani, the Director of the Urban Planning Department, elaborated on the vision and concept of Studio 18, emphasizing its role in fostering connections between the Urban Planning Department and international events and institutions.

Maryam Zainal, the head of the General Planning Section of the Urban Planning Department, provided a comprehensive explanation of the exhibition showcasing the evolution of urban planning in Qatar.

Studio 18, situated on the 18th floor of the Urban Planning Sector headquarters, serves as a collaborative space for stakeholders in the Urban Planning Department, architectural and planning institutions, fostering a culture of creative thinking and providing a conducive environment for urban planners and designers. The studio facilitates design and planning activities, group collaborations, local and international workshops, and lectures.

The establishment of Studio 18 on the 18th floor of the Urban Planning Sector headquarters aims to create an enabling environment for urban planners and designers in Qatar, promoting innovative thinking and shaping the future planning visions of Qatari municipalities and cities. The studio encourages the generation of initiatives that contribute to the development of high-quality urban environments aligned with international standards. It houses the sole planning and urban library in Qatar, containing specialized books, rare technical reports, and the latest publications in the field. The studio is equipped with state-of-the-art design facilities, including virtual reality labs and 3D laser printers. Additionally, it provides spaces for brainstorming, idea exchange, and visual presentations, including a cutting-edge meeting room with interactive screens and advanced audio-visual equipment.