The roof of Barahat Square is one of the most remarkable architectural features of Msheireb Downtown Doha, creating a comfortable, climate-responsive public space in the heart of the city’s urban redevelopment. As one of the world’s largest retractable roof systems for a public square, the structure seamlessly combines innovative engineering with elegant architectural design.
The roofing system is composed of a lightweight tensile membrane that can be deployed or retracted depending on environmental conditions. Its movable structure is organised into 30 parallel operating units, each supported by a set of permanently tensioned primary cables extending between the buildings bordering the square. Every unit consists of 18 V-shaped folding elements, and each fold is formed by two individual membrane panels, giving a total of 36 panels per unit. When deployed during the day, the membrane provides extensive solar protection and enhances outdoor thermal comfort. After sunset, the roof can be opened to allow natural cooling of the plaza, reducing heat accumulation and contributing to more favourable temperatures on the following day.
