Celebrating 90 Years of the British Council: A Conversation with Arch. Fatema Al Sehlawi

Celebrating 90 Years of the British Council: A Conversation with Arch. Fatema Al Sehlawi

Welcome to another edition of I Wanna GROW Podcast, where we celebrate stories of growth, transformation, and impact. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the legacy of the British Council in Qatar as it marks its 90th anniversary. Joining me is a special guest, Arch. Fatema Al Sehlawi, a Qatari architect and urbanist whose journey has been deeply intertwined with the British Council from her early school years to her professional career in shaping Qatar’s architectural landscape.

A Lifelong Connection to the British Council

Fatema’s first interaction with the British Council began as a student when she relied on it for exam preparation, tutoring, and as a place to meet friends. However, it wasn’t just the academic resources that left a lasting impression—it was the architecture of the British Council building itself. Once a residential palace, its design fascinated her long before she even considered a career in architecture.

Fast forward to her university years, Fatema pursued architecture and urban design, completing her studies at UCL’s Bartlett School of Architecture. Upon her return to Doha, she reconnected with the British Council in a new way—this time as a professional. Within a week of her return, she was introduced to an exciting new project under the Qatar-UK Year of Culture initiative in 2013, which would further shape her career.

Preserving Qatar’s Architectural Heritage

Growing up in the 1990s, Fatema developed a deep admiration for Qatar’s architectural landmarks from the '70s and '80s. Some of these buildings remain, while others have been demolished. Fatema has been at the forefront of efforts to preserve these structures, advocating for their restoration and adaptive reuse.

One notable success story is The Ned Doha, a former government ministry building that was saved from demolition and transformed into a vibrant social hub. Designed by renowned architect David Chipperfield, the redevelopment was done so seamlessly that additions to the structure appear as though they were always part of the original design. For Fatema, it’s about giving buildings a second life and ensuring they continue to serve the community in meaningful ways.

The Old Doha Prize: A Pivotal Project

Fatema highlighted one of her most significant collaborations with the British Council—the Old Doha Prize, launched in 2013. This initiative came at a critical moment, just two years after Qatar won the bid to host the FIFA World Cup. The country was on the brink of a massive urban transformation, and the Old Doha Prize aimed to explore ways to preserve the historical urban fabric of Doha amidst rapid modernization.

Bringing together architects from Qatar and the UK, the project focused on reimagining how old neighborhoods could be revitalized while retaining their cultural essence. For Fatema, it was an opportunity to merge heritage with contemporary urban planning, ensuring that Doha’s historical heart remained intact as the city evolved.

The Power of Cultural Exchange

Throughout our conversation, one theme stood out—the power of cultural exchange. The British Council has played a vital role in fostering connections between Qatar and the UK, facilitating knowledge-sharing and collaborative projects that extend beyond architecture. For Fatema, these experiences have been instrumental in shaping her vision as an architect and urbanist.

As the 英国文化协会 celebrates 90 years of impact, it’s clear that its influence has rippled across generations, creating waves of change that continue to touch lives worldwide. Fatema’s story is a testament to how institutions like the British Council can inspire, educate, and empower individuals to leave their mark on the world.

Guest: Arch. Fatema Al Sehlawi, Director of Qatar Blueprint, Chairperson’s Office, Qatar Museums .

Visit: Qatar Museums

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Visit: British Council Qatar

Visit: British Embassy Doha

Thank you Workinton Qatar for sponsoring this inspiring conversation!

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