Prize(s) Honorable Mentions
Lighting Design/Product Company UMAYA Lighting Design
Lead Designers Baraa Fawzi
Other Designer's names Josefina Ortíz de Rozas
Architecture Company David Chipperfield
Interior Design Company Soho House
Client The Ned Hotel
Photo Credits David Chipperfield
Completion Date November, 2021
Project Location Doha, Qatar.
Entry DescriptionThe Ned Doha is where history and modernity converge, transforming the former Ministry of Interior into a striking hospitality landmark. Designed in the 1970s by Lebanese architect William Sednaoui, this Brutalist masterpiece, with its rhythmic façade and sculptural form, embodies Middle Eastern modernism. A symbol of ambition and progress, its illumination required a delicate balance—honoring its past while seamlessly guiding it into a new era.
Lighting played a crucial role in accentuating architectural details while ensuring functionality for contemporary hospitality. Inside, the 1970s-inspired interiors needed lighting that evoked the era’s charm while meeting modern standards of comfort and sustainability. Extensive research led to solutions that feel authentic yet refined, capturing the essence of the period without feeling outdated. Each space—from guest rooms to restaurants and the health club—received a tailored approach, blending ambiance, functionality, and historical reference.
The Ned Doha stands as a testament to design that respects history, embraces the present, and shapes the future—an architectural landmark within Doha’s evolving skyline.
Sustainability ApproachA key focus was sustainable sourcing, with many decorative fixtures carefully restored from antique pieces, breathing new life into historic designs while reducing material waste. Energy efficiency played a vital role—LED technology ensured long-lasting, low-consumption illumination, while skylights maximized natural light. At night, low-energy backlit panels maintained a warm ambiance, and smart controls adjusted lighting based on occupancy and time of day, enhancing both efficiency and comfort.
