In recent years, innovative structural design is pushing the limits of architectural imagination in Qatar. Al Wahda Arches—the most prominent architectural monument in Doha, standing tall with pride and stunning shapes—are one such example! The spectacular Arches are an iconic landmark, proving to the world that Qatar is moving forward achieving its vision and overcoming all challenges that come its way.
The unique intertwined and tilted arches represent a creative combination of modernity and heritage—taking you to a new level, beyond structural brilliance and functionality. They also create a dynamic appearance at night, lighting up the Doha skyline beautifully.
The monument is one of the world’s largest pieces of public art imaged by the German Designer Erik Behrens. He is one of the emerging architects under the age of 45 who’s visionary creativity and designs have stunned royal families and high-end developers around the world. His other well-known projects in Qatar include the internationally acclaimed Oxygen Park at Education City which just won the Architizer Award 2019. He works and lives in London and is leading an international design studio in the US Technology Corporation AECOM who has engineered the project.
The dual arches are located at the Interchange 5/6 (the southern end of the Lusail Expressway) and were built for Ashghal by Eversendai Qatar. The old Rainbow (Arch) roundabout was located at this place and demolition work on that structure began in 2013.
Al Wahda Arches are the biggest and tallest monument in Qatar and weigh over 9,000 tonnes of steel. They serve as the gateway to Doha’s West Bay business district. The bigger arch of the Al Wahda Arches has a length of 146.52 metres and a height of 98.79 metres while the smaller arch spans across 139.84 metres in length with a height of 77.56 metres. The monument has been designed to support a suspended viewing platform and Visitor Center.
The base of the arches features Limra limestone, sourced and supplied from Turkey. The installation was extremely complex due to the leaning angle and overall massive size. The structure itself consists of 54 large steel pieces.
The Lusail Expressway was opened in December 2017 and on the same day, the prominent architectural monument—the arches of Interchange 5/6 were launched. The Lusail Expressway project provides a vital link to Doha’s fast-growing Lusail City development. With its complex network of tunnels, flyovers, and junctions, the project responds to the traffic demands and delivers a modern road network that connects people and places with speed and ease.
A special postage stamp was introduced in June 2018 to represent the distinctive architectural icon and the largest landmark of Qatar that combines the country’s past, future, and the original maritime heritage. The “5/6 Interchange” postage stamp carries a message with wider dimensions, and meanings—reflecting the fact that Qatar is determined to go forward towards high ends. And, if you want to buy the postage stamp, click HERE.
(Cover photo credit: http://www.maffeis.it)
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