QC+ Retail collaborated with Berlin design studio Fundamental to create an exclusive, bespoke, four-piece collection of stylised functional objects incorporating map sections of Doha. Fabricated from solid satin-finished brass, the range features the distinctive geometry of Qatar’s capital fret cut into the metalwork.

Cities are a recurring theme in the work of Fundamental. Architects by profession, founders Gunnar Rönsch and Stephen Molloy share a long-held fascination with mathematics and the geometry found in nature and urban landscapes. Their range of homewares and furniture is inspired by these recurring patterns, often referencing specific architectural sites.

Cultural Inspiration

Doha’s city plan, with its combination of historic neighbourhoods and modern architecture, is the reference for this collection. The intricate grid of the map is translated into design form, with carefully embossed lines and precise cut-outs reflecting Doha’s urban fabric. The result is a series of decorative – and at the same time functional – objects that communicate the owner’s connection to Qatar’s capital. Fundamental have previously transformed the street grids of Paris, London and Manhattan into collectible design objects, placing Doha alongside some of the world’s most iconic cities.

Product Story

Each object in the range is fabricated in solid brass, chosen for its durability and warm character. The tray and pen tray feature the city map etched into brass, with sections of the grid cut through to create perforations that catch and reflect the light. The set of coasters, designed as a pair, condense this same cartographic detail into smaller, tactile forms, while the bookmark turns the map into a portable emblem of Doha.

Impact

In working with Fundamental, QC+ brought an international design perspective to an innately local subject, resulting in a range that celebrates Doha’s identity in a charming and intriguing way. This collaboration demonstrates how, by working strategically with world-class designers, QC+ transforms cultural themes into products with legitimate design credibility and lasting appeal.