HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) attended today the official inauguration of the new building of the Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q), at the Education City, in the presence of a number of Their Excellencies Sheikhs, Ministers, Ambassadors, and members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the State.
The university's new home is a LEED Gold certified building and designed by US Architect Antoine Predock to embody architectural elements from Qatar's desert landscape and local culture. The building covers an area of 515 square feet, making it the largest campus for an educational institution specializing in journalism and media worldwide.
Dr.Morton Schapiro, President of the University, said that the new building embodies everything one can hope for. He expressed his great pride at the new university building in Education City, which provides the job market with graduates equipped with the necessary skills in journalism, filmmaking and communication, and harness their skills to create a better life for humanity.
Everette E. Dennis, Dean and CEO of Northwestern University in Qatar, explained that the building is equipped with state-of-the-art educational equipment and media production equipment in the region, giving students a real opportunity to experience, create creativity and translate their dreams.
He added that teaching students how to invest in the power and influence of digital space will make them makers of productive change in their communities and enable them to put a strong footprint on it. In recognition of HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser's leading role in establishing the Education City, which Northwestern University's contributes to achieving its vision, Dr.Morton Schapiro presented commemorating plaque commemorating Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser created by Dr. Judy Ledgerwood, Professor of Art at Northwestern University, known for its abstract paintings and its excellent use of colors, patterns and sizes. 
The new building includes an events hall, the largest sound-stage in the region; a projection theatre, which features a 4K cinema and 7.1 Dolby surround sound; three production studios, each fitted out to serve a specific purpose; and a studio that has been designed to allow students to reproduce everyday sound effects that are added to film, video, and other multimedia projects; and a 4K mastering room, equipped to completely edit a digital cinema-quality film.
Outside the building is a large LED media-mesh screen – the Saif Tip. Saif means sword in Arabic and the location of the screen resembles two swords about to meet. 
In addition, inside the building will be a three-storey media wall with multiple screens that will work with the Saif Tip in providing information through videos and images. Also within the building is a newsroom scheduled to be completed over the summer.  It will feature the most advanced technology in broadcast and production. Designed by Beirut architect Ali Wazani, the space includes all of the components of major broadcast news studio – a news desk, an area for panel discussions, and a social media screen. 
Using a feed from live newswires, students will have access to information to transform them into stories, graphics, and other digital visualisation elements. It will have its own control room, with the ability to produce live reports across multiple platforms. 
Earlier in the day, Northwestern hosted a symposium – "Shaping Our Future" – which featured a series of conversations, discussion panels, and a showcase of student research, short films, and documentaries.

Source: QNA