Doctor of design

Dr Taha Al Douri
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‘Timelessness’ is always cited as an important goal in architecture. Is it a goal in interior design?

Al Douri: I have several issues with your question. First, I am essentially an architect. But I refuse to separate the two. I’m not even suggesting that interior design is a subsidiary of architecture, it’s not. Architecture is a point of convergence for all aspects of life at a certain moment in time and space to create the quality of that space. How can you separate that from the interior of that space? You can’t. 

In my view, interior design tends to be a bit more transient. That’s not because it’s fashionable or trendy, because fashion is based on irrationality.

Interior design is more transient because of the nature of materials used. For example, if you’re looking for comfort, the fabric of the chair we’re sitting on can last only a certain length of time. Conversely, how long could the interior of the Pantheon last? It has never changed. 
  
I take exception to the concept of timelessness because that which is truly timeless, tells the story of its time. You will never have a blank text that speaks of nothing, amenable to any kind of intervention at any point, and call it timeless. To me, that is an intellectual void. So, in fact, what is most timeless is that which is most contextual. 

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What is your favourite project that you had nothing to do with?

Al Douri: It’s the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut in Egypt. The thinking behind it is so advanced, it’s fantastic. It’s set at the foot of a very striking vertical stone cliff. It’s I think it’s extremely advanced that when they wanted to build a temple to commemorate one of Egypt’s greatest rulers, they didn’t try to compete with the mountain, they went beneath it.

The structure itself is just three terraces that lead to a very subtle burmed colonnade that you see only from the front façade. It is such an incredible understatement; so sophisticated. Not to mention, the ramps and columns are not ornately decorated, they’re just plain, and thus, so modern. It is absolutely timeless. It requires no maintenance, no revisiting, no reconsideration.

Anything you’d like to add?

Al Douri: I just want to stress that design is not something that is simply taught. Design doesn’t begin at the school level; it’s ingrained in the sensibilities of the person. Secretly, we’re always designing for what we know and what we love. That is precisely the reason design may be the disciplines that are very much related to where you study and practice. The driving force for me in everything I have ever done is my passion for art. My natural desire for composition and visualisation is what continues to drive me.

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