Qatar National Museum
The Project
RAM Building Consultancy was engaged to provide design-specific advice for the roofing system of the New Qatar National Museum, a landmark project on the coastline of Doha. The museum, designed by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel to resemble the 'Desert Rose,' is a highly complex structure comprising interlocking curved discs made of steel, concrete, and glass-reinforced concrete.
The Challenges
The construction of the museum’s roof system was an intricate task, with over 50,000 steel penetrations across a total roof area of 100,000m². Ensuring the roof’s integrity while accommodating the complex design was critical. The client, Sheikha Moza (the Queen of Qatar), had very stringent construction requirements, and RAM needed to ensure the roofing system would not only perform upon completion but also be easily maintained in the harsh desert environment.
The Solution
RAM worked with Thomas Bell-Wright International Consultants, providing expert advice on the optimal methods for achieving a successful handover of the completed roofing system. RAM’s team helped guide the design to ensure that the roof penetrations were properly sealed and integrated into the overall structure. In addition, RAM developed a future maintenance plan to guarantee the long-term performance of the roofing system, considering the extreme climate conditions of the Qatari desert.
The Results
By addressing the design challenges and providing a clear maintenance plan, RAM ensured that the roofing system would meet the client’s high standards and perform reliably in the long term. The advice provided contributed to the smooth execution of this complex project, which is set to become one of Doha's most iconic landmarks.
