Manateq Headquarters
An oasis facing a limitless sea of economic possibilities
Project description
Laceco won the international competition launched by Manateq in 2014 to design its headquarters. The winning project was conceived as a composition of four inverted cubes sheltering an internal oasis, each cube representing a distinct programmatic function.
The resulting landmark is located on Doha’s seafront, at a mere 20 minutes from Hamad International Airport.
The brief
Manateq’s aimed to achieve four objectives:
- Designing an iconic building that showcases Qatar’s economic zones and the Manateq brand
- Designing a building that is functionally flexible and can adapt to changing uses
- Acting as a catalyst for spurring development in Qatar Economic Zone 1
- Optimizing construction cost
Our response
Laceco responded to the above objectives by:
- Conducting an in-depth and on-site programming workshops to identify detailed client requirements and needs
- Designing a building that adapted to separate programmatic requirements (housed in the four cubes) while creating architectural consistency. The building’s four wings provides execution and programmatic flexibility, allowing the client to phase it and adapt its uses to changing circumstances
- Re-interpreting traditional Qatari architecture using a modern language
- Creating an internal oasis where Manateq employees can collaborate, and where potential investors can visit exhibits
- Integrating public and private functions: the headquarters is a private workplace for Manateq and a one-stop shop for investors in Qatar’s Economic Zones
Interesting facts
- The headquarters’ parametric façade was inspired by Manateq’s logo and optimized daylighting in offices
- The façade is made of UHPC, a material that is highly adapted to local climatic conditions (corrosion, dust, etc.)
