Art Mill International Design Competition //Search Statement SEARCH STATEMENT. Art Mill International Design Competition

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1 SEARCH STATEMENT Art Mill International Design Competition 1

2 Malcolm Reading Consultants 2015 Malcolm Reading Consultants is an expert consultancy which specializes in managing design competitions to international standards and providing independent, strategic advice to clients with capital projects. With nearly twenty years experience of projects, we are enthusiastic advocates of the power of design to create new perceptions and act as an inspiration. Images: Malcolm Reading Consultants and Qatar Museums malcolmreading.co.uk T +44 (0)

3 CONTENTS Introduction 5 Project values 7 The site 11 The emerging brief 14 How to enter 16 3

4 Aerial view with key features Doha Convention Center Qatar National Theatre Site Museum of Islamic Art Qatar National Museum Souk Waqif Qatar Museums Imagery DigitalGlobe. Map data 2015 Google 4

5 INTRODUCTION In June 2015 Qatar Museums launches a global search for an architect to design the Art Mill, Qatar. This international design competition presents a new model: it is structured to allow a highly focused, three-stage search that encompasses both seasoned designers and emerging talent. The international selection process is open to practising architects with at least seven years experience post final professional qualification. Qatar Museums is specifically seeking out new as well as established talent looking for architects with evident capability, who are on the threshold of distinction. The project offers a life and career changing challenge this is a cultural development ne plus ultra. Please note, no design is required at stage one of the competition, architects will be assessed on two written statements, a practice profile and, relevant experience; these will be supported by images. The brief, at stages two and three, will require an analysis of many competing requirements as well as asking for a transformational strategy to the site and program. The deadline to be considered for the initial long-list is 14:00 BST, 26 June The official language of the competition is English. Only competition entries submitted in English will be assessed. All competitors must use the electronic template and submission form to send their written statements along with relevant images (see further guidelines on page 16). The template and form can be found online at competitions.malcolmreading.co.uk/ artmillqatar The competition organiser is Malcolm Reading Consultants (MRC). MRC is a London-based, independent expert consultancy, specialising in design competitions. 5

6 A museum which is a bridge between cultures as well as a treasure house Committed to artistic and architectural exploration, Qatar has established its capital Doha as a global art destination. Qatar s strategic national plan values contemporary art and culture as a powerful force, inspiring communities and enriching lives as well as stimulating innovation in education and driving a knowledgebased economy. At circa one million square feet, the Art Mill will be one of the largest and most forward-looking art galleries in the world. It will complete Doha s acclaimed sequence of museums devoted to art, including notably, I.M. Pei s Museum of Islamic Art, and Jean Nouvel s National Museum of Qatar, currently under construction. The museum will provide an unprecedented environment for both formal and informal learning; Qatar Museums intends to lead a learning revolution in the visual arts and cultural heritage field, offering programs that complement the current school curricula, and which will also provide learning opportunities for adults. The Art Mill will celebrate imagination and creativity. It will be a global leader within the art, museums and heritage community. Construction of the museum will begin in As much a bridge between cultures as a treasure house, the new museum aims to inspire new insights, encourage receptivity, widen artistic sensibilities, and promote intercultural understanding. 6

7 PROJECT VALUES Accomplished and outstanding contemporary design demonstrating architectural integrity, dynamism and memorability Creating a museum, which is as much a bridge between cultures as a treasure house enriching lives and providing an unprecedented learning environment Design reflecting awareness of the historic, waterfront site and civic setting and connections Respect for the natural environment, encouraging environmentally sound technologies Creating architecture that combines social purpose with design excellence Project Budget The budget will reflect the importance of the building and provision of international gallery standards. 7

8 View of existing Flour Mills buildings on site 8

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10 Quay and existing industrial structures on site 10

11 THE SITE and its heritage Doha is already home to some of the world s most inventive and creative buildings, with more due for completion in time for the World Cup celebrations in The proposed site for the Art Mill was originally a key node within the historic Arabian Gulf port, essential for the import of grain. The site, which projects into Doha Bay, is surrounded by sea on three sides. It is presently occupied by Qatar Flour Mills, which sits to the east of Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) (see map on page 4). The mill operation will now move to purpose-built new facilities. The existing buildings range from storage to processing and warehouse facilities, mostly with high ceilings and large spans. The range of vertical silos is authentically monumental; re-using and adapting these structures is integral to the project. With the site s reinvention as a place generating cultural rather than physical sustenance, the Art Mill will be well-placed for transport and social amenities, supplying the missing jigsaw-piece to complete the public realm around a key civic quarter. Adjoining and linked to MIA park, and a few minutes walk from Doha s famous Corniche, the site offers panoramic views across the bay to the skyline of the financial district. 11

12 View of West Bay district from MIA park, adjacent to site 12

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14 EMERGING BRIEF The museum will require an accomplished design, with architectural integrity and presence, for a spectacular and historic waterfront site reserved for the project. The site area is circa 83,500m 2 /898,787 sq. ft. It is anticipated that extensive outside space will be integrated with the design, offering opportunities for cross-programming and public engagement as well as creating a beautiful and sustainable setting. The building (or buildings) is expected to contain between 60,000 m 2 and 80,000 m 2 of gross space (645,835 sq. ft. and 861,113 sq. ft.), plus underground parking. While predominantly comprising gallery and exhibition space, the museum s brief also includes extensive education, conference and event space, as well as state-of-the-art conservation and storage to match the diversity of the collection. As this is a place of social as well as cultural interaction, there will be community facilities, food and beverage outlets and family amenities. The building and site will respond to and encourage integrated transport initiatives such as the Metro, waterbuses, cycling and walking. Innovation in energy management and preservation of natural resources are expected to be key features of the design and operation. The building will operate as a standalone facility, with administration, operations, security and management on-site. The Art Mill will be dynamic, sustainable, contemporary and true to its social and cultural responsibilities. It will also acknowledge the heritage and setting of a historic site at the heart of the port and city. 14

15 The search process & timetable Qatar Museums is searching for an exceptional architect, who identifies with the project s values and is dedicated to excellence. This threestage competition process has been devised to test competitors, whilst optimising time and resources and avoiding unnecessary waste in developing schemes. stage one is an open call for interest to establish a long-list of 20 architects; during stage two these semi-finalists will be given a further briefing and asked to envision strategies for the site and its links to the city; stage three will centre around five finalists who will be given a further briefing and progress onto more detailed concept designs for the conversion and extension of the Flour Mills structures. Anticipated competition timetable 2015/16 stage one Ends June 26 14:00 BST stage three October January stage two July September jury meeting and winner announced Early

16 HOW TO ENTER We will process stage one expressions of interest using an online system. While allowing entrants the opportunity to craft a creative response, this enables us to process and analyse submissions in a structured way. We cannot accept expressions of interest in any other format. The online e-template (please do not adjust/edit the formatting) can be found on the form page at competitions.malcolmreading.co.uk /artmillqatar The template is available in two formats, as a PDF and as an InDesign file. Within the template, please supply the elements requested below, with supporting images (the latter not required for Media statement). Practice profile in 800 words briefly describe your practice, the key individual(s), design philosophy and awards/ recognition. N.B. At stage one we are not seeking teams with supporting subconsultants. Relevant experience in 550 words outline no more than two cultural or museum projects you feel are relevant to the Art Mill project. Identify your contribution and explain why the projects were successful. Media statement in 150 words explain, who you are, your pedigree (briefly), why you are inspired by the Art Mill project and encapsulate your approach. This may be used at the shortlist stage of the competition, should you be selected. No image is required. 16

17 To summarise: 1) Use the e-template submit as an overall PDF (max 10 MB) of an A3 Board to tell us about your proposed Practice Profile (800 words maximum), Relevant Experience (550 words maximum), and include relevant images. 2) Using the same information supplied in the PDF above: Paste your Practice Profile statement as text into the form field 3) Using information not supplied on the PDF (not for assessment): Paste into the form field a Media statement (150 words maximum) Please follow the subsequent instructions on the form and click submit. You should receive an confirming receipt of your entry within two hours. If this is not received, please firstly check your spam folder, and only then artmillqatar@malcolmreading.co.uk Paste your Relevant Experience statement as text into the form field Upload two images of past projects (taken from your boards) as Relevant Image 1, and Relevant Image 2 17

18 Assessment criteria Please note that Qatar Museums is seeking to generate a diverse and talented shortlist. Evidence of passion, attention to detail, ability to envision transformational design, clarity of communication and experience that is relevant to the project objectives will form the basis for assessment at stage one. Subsequent assessment at stage two and three will be explained fully to the relevant teams. We expect to inform successful and unsuccessful competitors on the eve of stage two of the competition. Expenses and Honoraria A contribution to expenses of 5,000 will be paid to each long-listed team; an honorarium of 30,000 will be paid to each shortlisted team. The competition It is anticipated that the long-list of designers will be released to the international media, as will the shortlist. Additionally, both the longlisted and shortlisted design may be published, with the architects retaining copyright. There may be a public exhibition and associated online content at each of the subsequent stages. 18

19 Competition Terms and Conditions Please note the competition terms and conditions may be subject to amendments, with notice given. Eligibility No employee or family relation of an employee of Qatar Museums is permitted to enter the competition. At the second stage, competitors will be required to provide proof of meeting the professional and experience levels specified in this document (seven years experience post final professional architectural qualification). In addition, competitors will be required to provide proof of financial and technical capabilities in relation to this project. Contact During the pre-qualification stage no contact should be made with Qatar Museums, their employees or contractors as this may lead to disqualification from the competition. Any and all communications should be directed to Malcolm Reading Consultants: Language The official language of the competition is English. All entries must be in English, including all additional information. Only competition entries submitted in English will be assessed. Copyright and use Qatar Museums and Malcolm Reading Consultants reserve the right to make use of all presentation materials submitted in any future publications about the competition, exhibition or website. Any use will be properly credited to the competitor and the competitor warrants that the material submitted comprises solely their own work or that of any member of a team submitting a stage one response. This nonexclusive licence is irrevocable, shall survive the competitor s exit from the competition process and is royalty-free. 19

20 Amendments to the competition documents Qatar Museums may, at any time prior to the submission date, amend elements of this search statement, and MRC shall notify all competitors of any such amendments. If MRC issues any circular letters to competitors during the first stage to clarify the interpretation to be placed on part of the documents or to make any changes to them, such circular letters will form part of the search statement. Accordingly, all competitors will have been deemed to take account of these in preparing their submission. Questions Should you have any queries or require clarification, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions section of the competition microsite or us at Malcolm Reading Consultants, London, June 2015 Site visits and drawings At stage one of the competition there will be no formal site visits or drawings distributed. 20

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24 malcolmreading.co.uk competitions.malcolmreading.co.uk/artmillqatar