Gulf Construction Online - Metro stations in spotlight

Events

Metro stations in spotlight

01 September 2015

Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) showcased architectural opportunities at Doha Metro stations at an awareness day last month that hosted employees, project managers, design and build contractors as well as current and prospect suppliers.

More than 300 people gathered for a presentation on “Architectural Works for Doha Metro – Phase One” that shared Qatar Rail’s procurement strategy, the packages and prequalification process, and projects including interior fit-out for the stations, the structure for elevated stations and landscaping plans.

According to Mohamed Timbely, senior director, architecture and MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) at Qatar Rail, the company’s procurement and architectural strategies are aligned with the vision set out for the Doha Metro project: to build an integrated network that serves the Qatari community and pays heed to its heritage and culture, while meeting and exceeding word-class standards of quality assurance.

“There is synergy, proactivity and positive competitiveness that has trickled down from our larger infrastructural works and tenders to the very detail in the build, design and feel of each Doha Metro station,” he added.

The first phase for the project’s architectural works, covering 37 stations, is slated for completion by 2018 while the second, extending to 60 stations, by 2030.

Taking attendees through the project’s procurement strategy, Kaldoon Truman, senior director, contracts and procurement at Qatar Rail, detailed the project’s material and tender requirements, general subcontracting conditions, tenderer instructions and pretender requirements. He explained that a third prequalification round has been launched to attract more participants and this round will be completed this month (September).

The “Vaulted Spaces” Metro station design, selected by His Highness the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, is derived from the historic Islamic architecture by using the old Islamic architectural element in a modern way. One of the key elements of the design is that it gives the exterior shape of the station, by using modern bright materials to simulate the interior of the oyster.