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Afkarna
Afkarna is a transitional creative hub designed to support emerging designers after graduation. The project addresses the gap between education and professional practice by providing spaces for making, collaboration, mentorship, and public engagement.
The concept is rooted in thresholds and pathways, inspired by existing architectural elements on site, and explores movement as a way to connect people, ideas, and disciplines. The design brings together studios, workshops, and exhibition areas to create an environment that encourages growth, exchange, and visibility within the creative community.
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Concept Statement
Afkarna is a creative hub designed as a network of pathways that supports the journey from idea to professional practice.
Target Audience
Afkarna supports emerging design graduates across interior, graphic, architectural, and product disciplines.
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Interior Design
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Graphic Design
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Architecture
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Product Design
Site
Doha, Qatar
Site Analysis
Building Background
Originally one of Qatar’s earliest girls’ schools, Liwan has been carefully restored into a contemporary design hub. The building retains key architectural elements, such as its entrance doors and courtyard, preserving its cultural identity while adapting it to support creative production, collaboration, and community engagement.
Concept Development
Pathway
A symbol of transition, marking movement from one state to another. The door becomes the starting point of spatial experience.
Geometry Extraction
The door is broken down into lines, axes, and proportions to generate a design language.
Programming
Design Development
GF PLAN
Library
Panel Stage
Workshops
Outdoor Bazar
Supplier Library
Gift Store
Materials Library
Courtyard
Canteen
Exhbition
Exhbition
Exhbition
Print Lab Workshop
Print Lab
Woodshop
Workshops
Fab Lab
Employees Offices
Offices
Studios
Studios Lounge
Makers Space
FF PLAN
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Design Considerations
Color Psychology
Ceiling Acoustic System:
A suspended ceiling system is introduced to absorb sound and reduce noise transmission between spaces. Acoustic panels are strategically placed to control reverberation and improve overall sound quality within the interior.
Wall Assembly Detail:
The wall is designed with layered acoustic materials, including insulation wool, mass-loaded vinyl, and perforated panels. This combination enhances sound absorption and minimizes sound transfer across adjacent spaces.
Spatial Acoustic Strategy:
The overall layout considers sound behavior within the space, using zoning and material placement to separate noisy and quiet areas. Central elements, such as the courtyard, help diffuse sound and reduce acoustic buildup.