Masjid Al Qubib Plaza construction begins: Ashghal

Elements of Qatari heritage are reflected in the plaza design

The Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar has announced start of implementation of Al Qubib Masjid Plaza project, within the works of third package of development and beautification projects in Central Doha. The plaza is planned to be completed and opend for public in Q1 2022. Eng. Laila Jassim Salem, Project Design Manager at the Supervisory Committee, said that the design of the plaza is inspired by the elements of Qatari heritage, due to the plaza’s location near Al Qubib Masjid at Souq Waqif and the old markets in the area such as Deira Souk, Al Jabr Souk and others. The design has featured open air Qatari Majlis, a place where people gather to discuss everyday issues. Eng Laila added that the shape of the floors and corridors in the plaza are designed in various shapes and colors, for example, the floors of the main corridors were designed for the visitors of the plaza, leading to it and to the Masjid, to be like ornate carpets inspired by the decorations and inscriptions of traditional carpets and outfits. Eng. Laila added that the plaza has entrances from three sides through the surrounding pedestrian paths on Ali Bin Abdulla Street, Al Jabr Street and Al Ahmad Street. It is also easily accessible from the Masjid side. On her part, Eng. Sarah bint Mohammed Al Thani, Project Design Engineer, clarified that Al Qubib Masjid is one of the oldest mosques in the region, and the plaza aims to revive the idea of the Masjid’s classical courtyard, where people would meet after prayer and talk about their daily lives, which encourages communication between individuals in the area, spending a goodtime in the premises of healthy environment. To increase the aesthetic element of the plaza, water bodies are designed with a distinctive central fountain, surrounded by tiered layers that fit the nature of the sloping land. It will also provide simple cosmetic lighting that matches the spirit and design of the plaza and its location near the Masjid, in addition to planting a variety of local plants and trees, which contribute to providing shaded areas and giving a distinctive aesthetic appearance to the plaza. Eng. Sara Al Thani added that the courtyard of Al Qubib Masjid was designed to be eligible for use by people with special needs.