Marsa Katara Restaurant in Doha, inspired by the Qatari architectural and design language
PAT.
Hospitality
/
Completed
Marsa Katara is an overwater restaurant complex composed by eight bungalows and a main restaurant. It is located in front of the Katara Cultural Village, Doha,
The ultimate goal of the design was to create a relaxing atmosphere inspired by the Qatari architectural and design language.
The design is rooted in the ethos of the 'Seven Steps' –a declaration for an entirely new architectural language that will take Qatar's architectural development into the future. The Seven Steps were developed by the architectural team led by Allies and Morrison in the research phase of the Msheireb masterplan in downtown Doha. They integrate the spirit and aesthetics of Qatari architecture with the best that sustainable design and modern technology have to offer. Ultimately, it aims to restore the uniqueness of Qatar's built environment and the strong social ties that once defined Qatari society.
Embodied within traditional Qatari architecture are timeless aspects of proportion, robustness, simplicity, ornament, and a local response to the hot climate and its intense daylight.
Traditional Qatari architecture has a lot of lessons to teach that are still valuable today. Everything has a function that goes beyond pure decoration. Building on this legacy, the interior design was developed with a clean, minimal touch.
Colors reflect the simplicity and relaxed atmosphere, with tone on tone colors and accent pastels or light colors.
As in traditional Qatari houses, furniture is loose, offering flexibility for the guest and allowing to be used for different functions: modular sofas can be moved to allow for variation in lounge vs seating mode, low coffee tables or poufs can be transformed in dining tables.
Curtain railings and architectural lighting are concealed, table lamps, floor lamps and sconces are inspired by traditional oil lamps. AC grilles and allow for a clean ceiling and relaxed, not metropolitan look.
While all bungalows share the same relaxed –and in some way rustic- atmosphere, the biggest of them are further enhanced by the introduction of some contemporary artworks on the walls, adding a touch of refinement to the whole environment.
If bungalows are more private and homely, the restaurant –while still permeated by a relaxed atmosphere- is be a public space that take on an higher level of finishes and luxury. It is a contemporary expression of the traditional majlis, the formal room for receiving guests in Qatari houses and Palaces.
The clean, geometric shapes, combined with the neutral tone of the plaster of walls and flooring, will clearly set the restaurant environment within the local architectural tradition. At the same time, light decorations carved on the wall claddings, bronze inserts on the walls and flooring, fine woods and stones, all in a low, theatrical lighting collaborate in defining a formal, classy atmosphere.
Some elements resonate with the client’s childhood memories to generate a sort of nostalgia for a long gone Qatar: cushions embroideries, painted metal trays, bougainvillea flowers… Those memories are be the conceptual basis for the centerpiece of the entrance area: an hanging, dramatically lit glass sculpture that astonish the visitors, introducing them to the experience of the restaurant.
Finishings and furniture are of a quality not commonly found in contract interiors. Custom furniture such as sofas, dining and coffee tables and benches was designed by PAT. and produced in Italy. Other pieces include timeless classics such as Mogens Koch folding chair and refined, lesser known gems by brazilian designers Jorge Zalszupin and Carlos Motta as well as contemporary items as the Portofino chair by Vincent Van Duysen. The biggest bungalows include specially selected works by Qatari artist Faraj Daham.
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Restaurant entrance. Custom designed desk and hanging glass sculpture. Ipanema chairs by Jorge Zalszupin for Etel.
KP
Restaurant entrance. Raw earth wall plaster by Matto Brioni. Cement-resin flooring by Kerakoll.
Amal
Restaurant waiting lounge. Ipanema armchairs by Jorge Zalszupin for Etel.
Amal
Restaurant custom designed fixed tables and sofa by PAT.
KP
Main restaurant hall with showcooking. Custom designed bench and tables by PAT. Embrace armchairs by EOOS for Carl Hansen & Sons.
PAT.
Main restaurant hall. Custom designed bench and tables by PAT. Embrace armchairs by EOOS for Carl Hansen & Sons.
AKH
Private dining area. Custom designed sofas by PAT. Terraevoca Bespoke decorated Clay plaster by Matteo Brioni.
KP
Bungalw type D. Custom designed sofas and coffe table by PAT. Artworks on handmade paper by Faraj Daham (Arab Spring Bred series).
KP
Bungalow type D1.
PAT.
Bungalow type D2. Custom furniture by PAT. Juta rugs by Elitis.
PAT.
Bungalow type B.
Custom designed sofas and cofee table by PAT.
Bungalow type C. Celerina table by Riva. Folding chairs by Mogens Koch for Carl Hansen & Sons. Custom designed hanging sofas by PAT.
Doha
Qatar
Confidential
12/2018
1200 mq
PAT.
Benedetta Veglia, Andrea Veglia, Jacopo Testa, Luca Rocca, Giuseppe Veglia, Francesca Thiébat, German Tovar, Nicolò Radicioni, Alberto Matta
Almana Maples
QDC Qatar (Structural Engineering, MEP Engineering); LDP (lighting design); CKP (Kitchen consultant); Shaikha Al Sulaiti (local design consultant)
Battaglia srl (custom furniture); Carl Hansens & Sons, Paola Lenti, Espasso, Etel (furniture); Kerakoll (cement-resin flooring); Elitis (jute rugs); Matteo Brioni (raw earth plaster); Viabizzuno (decorative lamps); Almarkhiya Gallery (Arab Sping Bred series artworks by Faraj Daham);
KP, PAT.
Curriculum
Deeply rooted in the Italian design culture, PAT. is a boutique firm with a global outreach.
PAT. endorses an integrated design approach to conceive sustainable buildings, based on the effective use of materials and energy resources.
We offer a complete set of services ranging from architecture to landscaping and interiors up to the design of custom made furniture and art consultancy.
Our varied portfolio ranges from residences to building for the hospitality, culture, commerce, industry and workplace.
PAT. has received awards in Italy and abroad and its work has been published in architecture and design magazines worldwide.