19.08.2008
Design students reveal inspiration behind Doha 2016 logo
DOHA - Design students Fatma Mohammed Almoghunni and Lejla Niksic have revealed the local Qatari inspiration for the Doha 2016 logo design.
The two postgraduate students from the Virginia Commonwealth University of Qatar (VCUQ) met the press at the Shafallah Center for children with special needs together with David Woodward, President and Creative Director of North Design, who is developing the overall Doha 2016 branding design.
The young designers described how the Arabic version of 2016 (in green) is wrapped around ‘Doha’ written in Arabic in maroon, with calligraphy based interpretations intertwined with the traditional Arabic script.
The designers had considered other logo designs such as a layout based upon the local Sidra tree, which has traditionally been a sign of rejuvenation providing shade from the harsh elements in the local desert climate. However, the team finally chose the Aldahma flower as it represents youth and blossoming change – values that embody the changes that Qatar is experiencing currently on a socio-economic level.
When asked what the IOC looks for in a logo, David Woodward said: “The IOC looks for a logo that embodies the local culture, is vibrant and that reflects the Olympic family values.”
Fatma Almoghunni, an award-winning 2004 BFA Visual Communications graduate and scholar from VCUQ, described the logo’s athletic inspiration as the Aldahma flower representing the promise of youth athletes in Qatar who are building their talent so that they can blossom on the international sporting stage in the near future.
Lejla Niksic graduated as Summa Cum Laude Valedictorian from VCUQ in 2007. She has won numerous awards for her fashion, graphic design and academic achievements. She said her work is rooted in her belief that the most effective design is derived from culturally driven communications.
David Woodward is the principal designer of an award-winning multi-disciplinary design and branding firm with a focus on Olympic Games and Bid City design and branding, as well as Olympic Sponsor branding, design and activation programmes. He has been closely involved in the Stockholm 2004 Olympic Games Bid, Klagenfurt 2006 Olympic Games Bid, Moscow 2012 Olympic Games Bid, the successful Sochi Russia 2014 Olympic Games Bid and most recently the Moscow 2010 Youth Olympic Games Bid. He was also a part of the “Look of the Games” design team during the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games.
The Doha 2016 logo will be used throughout the Applicant and Candidate city phases.