The designer of Qatar’s forthcoming National Library, Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, has been picked as master planner of a huge new development next to Doha’s new airport – “Airport City.”

The 10sq km development takes the form of four circles and semi circles adjacent to Hamad International Airport’s two runways. 

It will be home to businesses, hotels, government buildings, warehouses, residential housing and a new transport hub.

It will also have a network of public green spaces, surrounded by what Koolhaas’ design company OMA describes as a “Desert Park.”

Although the whole project is forecast to take up to 30 years to build, phase one, which will include shops, hotels, businesses and some residential accommodation, is expected to be ready by the World Cup in 2022. 

According to Koolhaas, Airport City is designed to bridge the gap between the airport and Doha itself:

“We are delighted and honored to participate in the exciting growth of Doha, in a project that is perhaps the first serious effort anywhere in the world to interface between an international airport and the city it serves”, he says.

Thoughts?

Credit: Photos courtesy of the OMA