Changing the way we live, work and play
At the heart of the school is a place for ACS Doha’s vibrant community to gather: the Maidan.
Deriving from an Arabic and Persian term, Majālis, or Majles, a Maidan refers to a council, and is used to describe various types of special gatherings. These may be administrative, social or religious gatherings in countries with linguistic or cultural connections to Islamic countries.
“Spaces change the way we live. One reason music has changed over time is that music has been written for the space it would be performed. Birds of the city will sing a different song than birds of the same type in the country,” explains Head of School, Robert Cody.
“The Maidan will be one of the spaces that will change the way we spend our days at school. A place to come together, to feel a part of something bigger than ourselves, to be able to speak and hear with dignity and equality. It is one of many spaces in our new campus that will not only value our core belief of community but will enhance it.”
Bringing the outside in is one of the design themes of our new campus and what better way to bring our communal areas to life than with nature?
Trees play a central role in this. Symbolising growth, an impressive wooden installation breathes life into our central Avenue. Acting as a focal point, students can meet and sit under its canopy; it acts as a beacon for visitors to orient their way around the spacious layout and ultimately, after some reflection, the branches of the tree can be adorned, with artworks, projects or other elements. Ideas from the community on how the unique structure could be used are welcome.
ACS Doha also commissioned a regional artist and calligraphy specialist to create a special piece of art in the form of a painted tree. The impactful artwork (overleaf) features on the wall along the Avenue, and is unique to the school. It celebrates the beauty of the Arabic language, the beauty of nature reflecting the theme of the outside and many of the 'Ready to' phrases that are synonymous with the ethos of an ACS education. Other 'Ready' lines can also be seen around the campus, contributing to making the campus a unique space with an inspiring environment and a special place within which to learn and work.
Feedback from our community so far has been encouraging with many students and teachers alike making a beeline to be photographed under the popular wooden tree.