Architecture Quote by I. M. Pei
“Qatar does not have much history, it's a new emirate. So I couldn't draw on the history of the country; its history is really just being a desert. But I thought, the one thing I must learn about for this project is the Islamic faith. So I read about Islam and Islamic architecture, and the more I studied the more I realized where the best Islamic buildings were.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Documentary on Qatar architecture, 2020
The speaker notes Qatar’s lack of deep historical narrative, focusing instead on its desert origins and Islamic heritage to inform design.
In simple terms: Qatar’s history is brief; Islamic influence guides architecture.
Key Takeaway
Study local culture when designing in new regions.
Themes
architecture
culture
history
Mood
thoughtful
curious
Type
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- building design
- cultural tourism
- educational projects
Key Concepts
Islamic architecture
desert environment
modern nation building
Questions to Reflect On
- What aspects of Qatar’s modern identity are missing?
- How can designers balance tradition and innovation?
A Different Perspective
Risk of oversimplifying a nation’s identity.
![“When I got the opportunity to do the new wing [the Schauhaus] for the German Historical Museum, for instance, I didn't see it as an opportunity for my own ego, to do something so exciting that every architectural publication would want to put it on the cover. I accepted it because I knew it was…” quote by I. M. Pei](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/89d/i-m-pei-21076_accepted_when-i-got-the-opportunity-to-do-the-new_284075.jpg)
