In Doha, my participation in the panel “The Future of the Past: Unpacking Architectural Archives” , with Aric Chen and George Arbid, and the subsequent workshop co-hosted with Aric Chen provided a vital platform to discuss the evolving role of collections in the 21st century. Beyond merely documenting the past, we explored how architectural archives can resituate histories and narratives, offering new insights into our social, cultural, and built environments. In countries like Qatar, where architecture archives are a relatively new and burgeoning asset, there is a unique opportunity to build these institutions with a focus on ethics, representation, and care.
During our sessions, I shared the Nieuwe Instituut’s Collection Policy (2026–2033) and the methodology behind Collecting Otherwise. This sparked a profound resonance with local experts, artists, and researchers. We moved beyond “grand narratives” to discuss the archives as witnesses to international exchanges of design knowledge and sites of critical innovation. By introducing our digital Collection Platform, we opened a dialogue on how archives can serve as catalysts for contemporary practice and even as instruments for public policy.
The takeaway was clear: there is a shared global urgency to move toward “networked collecting.” By breaking down institutional silos, we can create a more intersectional and accessible map of our spatial histories—one that is rooted in genuine cross-pollination and a deep respect for the diverse knowledge practices that resonate across the Indian Ocean and the Gulf.