April 26, 2025:
A group of 14 students from Grades 7, 9, and 10, accompanied by Mr. Mudassir Kirmani and Ms. Hafsia, visited the ULTRA LEGGRA exhibition at the Qatar National Museum. This enriching visit was organized by the Arabic Department to provide students with exposure to creative , critical, innovative and artistic aspects of automotive design through a cultural and historical lens.
Students enjoyed listening , reading and watching the information in Arabic and English both.
The gallery under the theme ULTRALEGGERA featured an engaging exploration of automotive design with a focus on innovation, form, and emotion. Two standout installations from the visit were:
- Sail 5: The Romantic Side of Mechanics
This section displayed a stunning visual narrative of experimental car designs that celebrated the fusion of art and engineering. The students were particularly fascinated by the futuristic concepts and dynamic door mechanisms. The models highlighted the poetic and emotional dimensions of automotive aesthetics, portraying cars as symbols of freedom and personal expression.
- Sail 2: A Journey with Marcello Gandini
This section paid tribute to legendary automotive designer Marcello Gandini, whose work revolutionized car design from the 1960s through the 2020s. Known for iconic vehicles like the Lamborghini Miura and Countach, Gandini’s legacy includes his work with Alfa Romeo, Lancia, and Maserati. His creative genius extended beyond cars to helicopters and other industrial designs. The exhibition showcased some of his boldest ideas, including the distinctive headlamp treatments and scissor-door innovations. Students were intrigued by his conceptual work on models like the Lancia Stratos and the futuristic NSU Trapeze.
The bilingual nature of the exhibition (Arabic and English) also supported language skills and appreciation of design vocabulary in both languages.
Students expressed enthusiasm and curiosity, actively engaging with the exhibits and asking insightful questions. The visit proved to be both educational and inspiring, blending art, history, and engineering in a memorable way.
