Design Doha Competition
Celebrating Regional design Excellence
August 2025 – Cy
Al Boum Pop-Up Pavilion
Designed for Qatar’s dynamic landscape, the Al Boum temporary pavilion is an innovative, modular structure crafted entirely from recycled shipping containers. Its name, a direct homage to traditional Qatari boats, bridges the emirate’s rich maritime heritage with bold contemporary architecture, creating a perfect fusion of sustainability, functionality, and aesthetics.
This architectural marvel comprises ten 40-foot shipping containers, distributed across three distinct levels, each offering 145 m² for a total of 435 m² of floor space. Five containers are positioned on the ground, forming a stable and versatile base. Above them, five more are boldly suspended, creating an impression of lightness and soaring. The ingenuity of the structure lies in its self-supporting system, requiring no foundations. A single, vertical 40-foot container incorporates an elevator. This central element is complemented by several cylindrical metal masts, providing robust stability while adding a touch of industrial elegance.
Modularity is at the heart of the concept: the pavilion can be fully assembled and disassembled, allowing for quick installation and easy relocation based on event needs. This flexibility offers an ideal solution for temporary events and significantly minimizes environmental impact.
Lighting will play a crucial role in showcasing the pavilion. An integrated LED lighting system will allow its appearance to be transformed according to events, creating a different atmosphere from day to night and accentuating its architectural lines.
This three-level pavilion is designed for a multitude of functions, offering an adaptable and modern space for temporary art exhibitions, presentations by the Qatar Tourism Authority, and other tourist attractions. It can also host commercial product launches for international brands.
Ultimately, “Al Boum” is more than just a structure; it’s an architectural statement that combines technical ingenuity, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to sustainability, offering Qatar a distinctive and memorable event space.
Cy
The proposal for this ephemeral pavilion is driven by several strategic motivations that align perfectly with Qatar’s ambitions for innovation, sustainability, and cultural influence.
A Strong Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
One of the main motivations is to make this pavilion a symbol of Qatar’s commitment to sustainable development and a circular economy. By using recycled shipping containers, the project is part of an effort to upcycling materials. This approach is a concrete response to the issue of the carbon footprint in the construction sector.
Operational Flexibility and Profitability
The pavilion’s modular and ephemeral nature is a major asset that meets Qatar’s dynamic needs. As the host of numerous international events, the country needs structures that can adapt quickly. The design of the “Al Boum” pavilion allows for rapid assembly and disassembly, as well as easy relocation from one site to another. It can serve as an exhibition space for trade shows, a reception point for sporting events, or a launch venue for high-end products. This flexibility significantly reduces construction costs and timelines, eliminating the need for permanent foundations.
A Strong Cultural Identity for National Prestige
Its name and design are a direct tribute to the nation’s maritime heritage, creating a link between the past and the future. The pavilion acts as a bridge between tradition and modernity, evoking the sails of dhows while displaying a contemporary industrial aesthetic. As a marketing and communication tool, the pavilion can be used to promote Qatari culture, arts, and innovation, both domestically and at international events.
In conclusion, we believe that Qatar, with its “Urban Space Design” in Doha, can provide us with the human, technical, and financial resources to complete this project under the best possible conditions.
Cy