The Biggest Green Building in the World
Written by Jennifer Heyns
Spanning nearly 2 million square feet, the Qatar City Education Convention Center is the first of its kind and massive scale to ever qualify for gold LEED certification.
Designed by Troy, Michigan-based architectural firm Yamasaki, Inc., this structure cost an astounding $720 million. Even more amazing is the actual design, which incorporates both artistic and environmental features.
The convention center, which will be the largest in the whole of the Middle East upon completion, is instantly recognizable from the large metallic tree that appears to be growing from its façade. The tree is a replica of the sidra tree, a species with amazingly strong roots that allow it to flourish even in the harsh desert climate.
“The tree is a symbol of strength and growth, serving as an icon to the people of Qatar as well as the emblem of the Qatar Foundation,” Yamasaki explained. What isn’t made clear is whether or not the tree serves any function for the building, but it can be assumed that at the very least, the tree offers shade from the intense sun that scorches much of the region.
The convention center’s roof has been specially designed to incorporate over 3,800 square feet of solar panels. The panels will be responsible for providing approximately 12.5 percent of the structure’s energy.
While the exterior of the convention center is an arboreal marvel, the interior is equally amazing. The space has been broken up into sections for many purposes, including a 2,500-seat concert theater, banquet facilities that can hold up to 7,000 people at once, an exhibit hall, multiple auditoriums and meeting rooms, hospitality suites, registration desks, business centers and media rooms.
The center is located in Doha, Qatar’s education city, a hub of universities, research and technology institutions, no doubt to inspire great ideas and innovation to all inhabitants.
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