Urban development and identity between modernity and tradition in the global oil city of Doha, Qatar

Today, Doha is a cosmopolitan city of about two million inhabitants with more than a hundred different nationalities within its borders. However, the speed and intensity of this urban development have favoured a model of 'fragmented' city, characterized by a low population density, social polarization, and based on the use of the car. From a spatial point of view, Doha presents advanced infrastructures and spectacular architecture, but, also, enormous corridors that fragment its urban fabric into 'islands'. Also, due to the rapid urbanization, many historic buildings have been demolished to give way to new residential towers and shopping centres causing the loss of important historical roots. A permanent conflict, thus, afflicts the growth direction of the city: on the one hand the formation of a new postmodern identity and international status, represented by spectacular mega-projects and state-of-the-art architectures; on the other, the need for a redevelopment of the ancient urban fabric and its historical architecture, in an attempt to establish new connections with local culture and traditions. In the debate between innovation and tradition, this article presents some urban projects recently concluded and highlighted essential issues regarding the processes that affect the urban development of Doha