AJ exclusive: Jestico + Whiles wins Doha College contest

The college, which was set up in 1980 and originally taught only British nationals, selected the practice from an all-British shortlist which also included Broadway Malyan, RHWL Architects, Penoyre and Prasad and Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios.

The ‘international’ school initially longlisted 50 UK-based practices before drawing up its final five-strong shortlist.

According to the college, Jestico + Whiles will now carry out a ‘significant amount of consultation [on its pre-concept design] to capture the views of students, parents and staff.’

Heinz Richardson of Jestico + Whiles said: ‘We are absolutely thrilled, especially ahead of the other practices who we know well. It was very a rigorous and in-depth selection process involving staff, children and parents.

‘It is a fantastic stepping stone to the area. We’ve teamed up with Buro Happold which has a local base.’

Davis Langdon project managed the competition.

Previous story (19.09.11)

Brits make up finalists in Doha College contest

Broadway Malyan, RHWL Architects, Penoyre and Prasad, Jestico + Whiles and Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios have been named on the shortlist to design new premises for Doha College

The college in Qatar, which was set up in 1980 and originally taught only British nationals, initially longlisted 50 UK-based practices before drawing up its final, five-strong shortlist.

Speaking to the Gulf Times, college principal Mark Leppard said: ‘We wanted to use a UK-based architect because we felt like giving something back and also developing a business relationship with the UK as we are a British school.

‘I am amazed that out of one brief, these companies have produced five such different designs.’

The five firms have all now presented their ideas to the board of governors, as well as staff and students at the school, which currently teaches more than 1200 students from around 50 different countries.

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