"She empowers the poor to build their own futures."
Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari’s humanitarian approach to architecture has featured prominently in a major exhibition in Qatar.
The exhibition brought together the work of more than 40 architects and practices from across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.
It was titled ‘Beyti Beytak – My Home Is Your Home’ and organised by the future Art Mill Museum.
The show was presented by Qatar Museums and opened at Fahad bin Ali Palace in Doha on October 26, 2026.
According to Qatar Times, it will remain on display until May 29, 2027.
The exhibition examines how architecture can respond to the needs of communities while fostering hospitality.
It also explores collective care and a sense of belonging through the built environment.
Its expanded Doha edition follows an earlier presentation at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of the Venice Biennale in 2025.
That Venice presentation marked Qatar’s first official participation in the prestigious event.
Lari’s contribution is particularly significant for Pakistan, given her long record of humanitarian architecture.
Her Community Centre, designed in 2024, is featured in the exhibition.
It demonstrates how locally adaptable materials and traditional construction techniques can serve communities affected by natural disasters.
Aurelien Lemonier, architect and curator at the Art Mill Museum, is also the exhibition’s co-curator.
He said: “I realised her work is a direct legacy of (Egyptian architect) Hassan Fathy.
“Like him, she empowers the poor to build their own futures.”
The bamboo structure was developed around techniques deployed by the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan.
Lari co-founded the organisation in 1980, and it continues to work for vulnerable communities across the country.
The foundation has established shelters and villages for people affected by a devastating earthquake and repeated flooding in Pakistan.
The community centre features a perimeter veranda and a dome topped with a waterproof palm frond roof.
It demonstrates the versatility of bamboo through different structural assemblies.
The installation also highlights Lari’s humanitarian, social, cultural and architectural development model.
The exhibition brings together architectural drawings, photographs, models, films and archival material.
It examines three generations of architects whose work has shaped the MENASA region.
Its themes include community centres, city housing, mosques, museums, gardens and the reinvention of traditional oases.
Among the participating Pakistani architects is Nayyar Ali Dada, while Lari is represented through the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan.
The international lineup also includes pioneering architects Hassan Fathy, Balkrishna Doshi, Rifat Chadirji and Geoffrey Bawa.
Contemporary architectural practices are featured alongside these pioneers throughout the show.
The projects range from the Mleiha Archaeological Centre in the United Arab Emirates to the Palestinian Museum.
They also include the Jadgal Elementary School and Qatar National Library.
