Doha, Qatar: The layout design of the future Dadu, Children's Museum of Qatar aims to foster learning and boost children's creativity, according to UNStudio, the designated architect for the newly planned cultural institution.
Dadu, Children's Museum of Qatar, is among the upcoming museums currently under development in the country. To be built in Al Bidda Park, the museum's design was first unveiled by Qatar Creates in a documentary exhibition "Building a Creative Nation", during the 18th International Architecture Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia.
Dadu, which means 'play' in Arabic, is encapsulated in the rendered image of the museum's exterior design showcasing interconnected blocks circling the museum's covered foyer.
UNStudio's co-founder Ben van Berkel was quoted by the influential architecture magazine Dezeen, stating that "the idea came together around the idea for building blocks of learning."
He also shared that the museum's design concept was based on how old villages in Doha developed wherein "there was a central patio where families would live around and kids could play in the middle and feel safe because the parents are near."
The museum will include accessible indoor and outdoor experiences which can offer families opportunities to play and learn together. Thematic and interactive galleries - featuring various themes like science, sustainability, and Qatar's history - will also be housed inside the museum's block-shaped forms along with establishments such as restaurants, cafes, and activity rooms.
Director for Dadu, Children's Museum of Qatar, Essa Al Mannai said: “Our mission to nurture children's creativity, imagination, and love of learning is too important to wait until we open our doors. We feel we are needed at this time to support families, and to connect people and ideas despite being physically apart.“
Dadu, Children's Museum of Qatar is among the latest addition to Qatar's cultural landscape. Some of the new cultural destinations to look forward to include Art Mill Museum by ELEMENTAL, Lusail Museum by Herzog & de Meuron, Qatar Auto Museum by Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), and Qatar Preparatory School by Philippe Starck.