Ten years ago, a bizarre « it », a building between a ship and a gigantic fish, was anchored on the banks of the river Nervión, in the ex-industrial area of Bilbao. Its back was clad in titanium panels and its stomach was filled up with masterpieces of art. The Bilbaínos went down to see. They were dazzled by the sudden glare that flooded their grey city; shocked by the amount of money spent for this project, totally funded by the Basque authorities, they were incredulous of the future. Ten years later, this « it », the Guggenheim Museum, changed the city’s image. Bilbao, the former coal-mining city has become like the Mecca of modern architecture and avant guard design, and consequently a boosting tourist destination.

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Photos ©Massimo Pizzocaro/Lightmediation Text ®Elisavet Laloudaki

Contact – Thierry Tinacci Lightmediation Photo Agency +33 (0)6 61 80 57 21 thierry[AT]lightmediation.com

Everyone is speaking of Dubai, but who knows Doha? The capital of Qatar is booming. Constantly under construction, Doha is flirting with the inordinate madness of Dubai… all while juggling with the conservatism of its neighbor, Saudi Arabia. A shopping paradise and financial stronghold, the future megalopolis is on its way to becoming an Eldorado of culture, sport and tourism, a Silicon Valley of the Gulf, still proudly attached to its traditions. It took centuries to build the megalopoles of today. It will have taken only a few years for Doha to become a leading player. It is here that tomorrow’s world is being built.

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Photos ©Pascal Meunier/LightMediation Text ®Eve Gandossi

Contact – Thierry Tinacci – LigthMediation Photo Agency +33 (0)6 61 80 57 21 thierry[AT]lightmediation.com