Designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki and the international practice RHWL Architects, the QNCC or Qatar National Convention Centre, is a building both iconic and intelligent.
Photography by © Nelson Garrido
Bent steel plate creates the forms of spanning structures that resemble the native Sidra tree and come up to support the overhanging roof structure. There are 10 performance venues, among them a 4000 seat conference hall, a 2500 seat theatre, several three-tiered auditoria, 40,000 m² of exhibition space across nine halls and 52 meeting rooms. Gotta have the meeting rooms, because who wants to shout across 4,000 seats when there are only ten of you?
Photography by © Nelson Garrido
The Centre has attained LEED Gold status with solar panels located on the roof, LED lighting controlled by occupancy censors, and zone-based air control systems as a few of its green features.
Photography by © Nelson Garrido
Matt Davis is a Virginia Tech graduate and one of the founding editors behind Arch2O. Launching the platform in mid‑2012 alongside fellow Hokies, he helped shape its identity as an international hub for design innovation and critical dialogue . With a foundation in architectural education and a passion for uncovering unconventional design approaches, Matt has contributed significantly—both editorially and strategically—to Arch2O’s growth, ensuring that emerging architects, academics, and creatives have a space to question, explore, and elevate the built environment.