Welcome to the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning
(DAUP) at Qatar University, in the State of Qatar.
Architectural education is increasingly complex, with the development of knowledge and skills needed to address both local and global challenges in a constantly changing environment. As architecture holds professional status in many international jurisdictions, there is growing pressure to ensure graduates possess the capabilities to tackle urgent issues, while staying firmly grounded in cultural identity and committed to sustainable development. The challenges we face - climate change, resource depletion, rapid urbanization, and the demand for demonstrable sustainability - are not only urgent but also pivotal in shaping the future of our built environments.
The Department of Architecture and Urban Planning (DAUP) stands as a leading provider of education and research in Architecture and Urban Planning in the State of Qatar and the Middle East, deeply respecting the diverse climate, landscape, population, historical background, identity, and culture, which are essential to a rich, healthy, and meaningful way of life.
‘… the important determinant of any culture is after all the spirit of place’ (Lawrence Durell).
The vision of DAUP is grounded in the pursuit of professional competency, carefully tailored to these distinct local contexts and circumstances. DAUP’s educational approach honours and celebrates culture and identity as foundational influences in shaping the future of architecture, while also prioritizing the cultivation of open-minded, creative, and innovative graduates who are attuned to the challenges of designing a sustainable built environment.
‘Architecture is not only related to buildings but represents the identity of people and civilizations’ (Ibrahim Jaidah).
The curriculum at DAUP is rigorous, demanding excellence, and meeting high standards both locally and internationally. Education is a cornerstone of society, and at DAUP, we prioritize the quality of the student experience by combining technical skill development with the broader cultivation of knowledge and values. Under the guidance of leading academics and experienced practitioners, students learn to design buildings, neighbourhoods, and cities that are healthy, culturally rich, environmentally responsible, and liveable.
Located within the College of Engineering, DAUP collaborates closely with allied disciplines and professions, fostering an integrated approach to education. Additionally, DAUP maintains strong international collaborations with renowned schools, academics, and practitioners in Architecture and Urban Planning, ensuring that our education and research remain competitive, relevant, and highly respected. DAUP’s teaching builds on the distinctive character and quality of the design fields, recognizing that the pedagogy, process, and outcomes in Architecture and Urban Planning are unique. As Walter Gropius (1883-1969) once stated, ‘Architecture begins where engineering ends’, reflecting the intersection of creativity and technical expertise that defines our approach.
‘The best way to predict the future is to design it’ (Buckminster Fuller).
We invite future students from Qatar and around the world to join us on this journey, collaborating to shape the built environment where the core values of cultural identity and sustainability lead the way, ensuring the long-term well-being of our societies.
‘When we build, let us think that we build forever’ (John Ruskin).
Raffaello Furlan, Head of Department,
Architecture and Urban Planning