Nour Tohme

When completed in 2006, the Qatar Broadcasting Services Complex will be notable for its dramatic architecture, inspired by the Dhow boat, symbol of Qatar.

Nour Tohme, its architect, is just as notable for her bold approach to architecture. Nour is Design Manager and Coordinator for the Qatar project and Head of Architecture and Planning for PB S.A.R.L., Beirut, Lebanon.

In December 2002, PB won consultancy services to design the complex for Qatar Radio & Television. Multiple buildings, Nour explains, are required for radio, TV, news, media and headquarters, although it will appear and function as one. “The headquarters is a vertical landmark shaped like the sails of the Dhow boat, the lower building like a space vessel. Our design targets a futuristic expression.”

Not easy. “This is the most challenging project in my career,” says Nour, who was drawn to architecture for its artistic side and its engineering side. “During the competition, we had a small budget and small team. We had to prove ourselves as architects—showing that an engineering company can do a landmark building. ”

Says Tim Judge, Manager in the Surface Transport Group, to whom she reports, ”Nour has conceived a unique, landmark building at the cutting edge of architectural design that will provide a spectacular entry for PB into the market for major buildings in the Middle East. In turning the futuristic concept into a practical integrated design, Nour demonstrated commendable leadership, determination and commitment.”

Challenge is not new to Nour, who grew up in Beirut. “I had to interrupt my architectural studies at Beirut’s American University because the campus was becoming unsafe due to the civil war. I changed to the Beaux-Arts in Beirut.” Ultimately, Nour studied in California, launched her career in New York, worked in southern California and then Paris.

Returning to Beirut, she worked as a subconsultant to or in association with PB. Nour joined PB in December 2000, working on projects ranging from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters in Beirut to Spanish-style seaside Palm Beach Resort in Kuwait.

“My philosophy is that a structure should be the result of site analysis. Architecture is first a comfortable and functional place for the end user.” Still, Nour adds, “Architecture should be pleasant to look at and especially innovative. I believe in contrast of style.”

Nour helped design a villa mixing modern style with traditional Lebanese architecture. She points to Solidere in downtown Beirut (where PB participated in redevelopment plans and is based) with its contrasting but complementary urban fabric of culture and religion. Nour admires Lord Norman Foster’s high-tech projects integrated into their setting. “I believe in positive innovation and new trends that will become classical with time. By nature, I am not a conservative person.”