Three of the world`s top architectural firms will compete in an international design contest for Viva Bahriya – the second largest marina precinct on The Pearl-Qatar…
Three of the world`s top architectural firms will compete in an international design contest for Viva Bahriya – the second largest marina precinct on The Pearl-Qatar, the US $2.5 billion island currently being reclaimed offshore the Qatari capital of Doha.
United Development Company (UDC), the developer and promoter of the signature island destination, will offer the winner the overall design contract for Viva Bahriya – `the harbour of life.`
The master plan concept of Viva Bahriya positions this family destination at the geographic centre of the island to be the second most iconic district within The Pearl-Qatar, said Nick Bashkiroff, Development Director of The Pearl-Qatar.
The three international firms invited to participate in the competition are: SRSS & Associates, WBTL Architects and Zeidler Partnership Architects.
These firms were selected from a list of more than 30 bidding companies, said Bashkiroff. They were chosen for their extensive experience in delivering concepts for upscale, signature destinations.
The masterplan concept of Viva Bahriya features a family destination of Northern Mediterranean ambience surrounding an enchanting harbour bordered by a clean white beach.
According to Bashkiroff, the decision to launch an international competition is in line with our determination to deliver a destination of world-class standing and to pursue our commitment to quality across all aspects of the project.
Competition award is anticipated within the next few months.
About the Pearl-Qatar
This US $2.5 billion offshore, Riviera-style man-made island, covering 985 acres of reclaimed land, is Qatar`s first international real estate venture, the largest real estate development in the country and the first to offer freehold and residential rights to international investors. It will create over 30 kilometres of new coastline.
The Pearl-Qatar`s name and location, on a former pearl diving site, leverages the country`s traditions, and strong historical and cultural ties to the sea – it is an island rediscovered.
The Pearl-Qatar will eventually house over 35,000 residents in an up-scale, multi-cultural residential community which will be a secure and exclusive island retreat bringing the ambience and lifestyle of the Mediterranean to the heart of Arabia.
The four-phase development comprises 10 distinct districts to be developed over five years, with the first investors expected to take up residency in early 2007. The Riviera Arabia themed districts will house three luxury hotels, three marinas, with combined mooring for over 700 boats, and more than 90,000 square metres of luxury retail and restaurant space.
The Pearl-Qatar is being built 350 metres offshore the West Bay Lagoon area of the country`s capital, Doha. While offering an exclusive retreat, the island will also be closely integrated with, and have easy access to, the capital`s thriving community.
Dredging work for The Pearl-Qatar, currently underway, is scheduled to be completed early next year.
The Pearl-Qatar is being developed and promoted by United Development Company (UDC), one of Qatar`s leading private sector shareholding companies.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
