Social Development Centre | Irena Savakova

The Social Development Centre is a blend of precedent and metaphor to promote community, culture and self-sufciency of young Bedouin women to promote economically and socially stable families that can take part in Qatar’s social development. The 65, 000 gross square foot Centre is composed of six distinct elements: Main building Entry atrium with programmatic elements that promote interaction Sculpted visitor center auditorium, meeting rooms and classrooms Plaza connecting the heritage site with the Centre, linking past and present Heritage Site linking past and present as a foundation for the future Fountain symbolizing rejuvenation and visually anchoring the entry The design draws its inspiration from the beauty of the north Qatary desert, invoking the intricacy of the traditional urban fabric to establish a framework that embodies the spirit of community, culture and self-sufciency. The Centre has distinct interwoven intellectual, spiritual, physical, and cultural references contributing to a strong sense of place. Supporting the belief that forming relationships creates happier lives, the design takes a multi-faceted approach to developing connections. Short walking distances through friendly environments provide physical connectivity, nodes of activity create social connectivity, and the development of a strong sense of community creates emotional connectivity. While the Social Development Centre creates an atmosphere of comfort and familiarity through a strong identity, it also offers exposure to new experiences. The approach to architecture, the nature of the planning, and the circulation patterns all contribute to the discovery of ever-changing views, diverse landscapes, and new social encounters while respecting cultural mores.