Issue of Innovation in Mosque’s Exterior Architecture: The Case of Doha, Qatar

Throughout centuries Muslims have sought to reflect the magnificence of Islamic civilization through innovation of mosque architecture. Recently, however, this innovation has stagnated. The current research focuses on the issue of innovation in exterior mosque architecture in Doha, Qatar. It considers three key players influencing exterior design: the government, society, and architects themselves. The research explores the subject through two approaches. One, it investigates design control theory and examines the nature of the architectural design process, the key players involved and their differing interests. Two, it explores why local actors prefer certain approaches to addressing the issue; this informs a list of recommendations included at the end of the report. Interviews were conducted with two prominent architects, and questionnaires were distributed among 125 members of the general public. The initial intent was to conduct interviews with relevant members of the Qatari government. However, due to lack of communication, the government's role was analyzed based on available documents and some information obtained from interviews with the above mentioned architects. The research finds that lack of innovation results from the creative laziness of some architects, society's preference for fixed forms to reflect their identity and distinguish mosques from their surroundings, and the government's attitude towards preserving identity in the face of globalization by adopting specific prototypes of traditional architecture. The research concludes that no one actor is driving changes in innovation, but rather all three play a role and in-turn influence each other. The recommendations at the end of the report, therefore, are intended for all actors.