THIRD CULTURE KIDS - PLAYING TO HEAL
My father would constantly remind me that I’m not Qatari and that this is not my home… I was technically a Pakistani. I spoke Urdu, but I felt no sense of belonging to the country itself. - Omar Saeed (pseudonym) Third Culture Kid
With increased globalization and a large expat population, Qatar is home to increasing numbers of Third Culture Kids (TCKs). TCKs are children who live in a country where their parents are non-native, children who grow up between cultures. Young TCKs, especially children between the ages of three and seven, do not possess the skills to adequately vocalize their feelings, but fortunately, play therapy allows them to articulate problems and feelings on their own terms. This project addresses the emotional hurdles facing TCKs, using concepts derived from play therapy and offering a series of interactive objects designed to reflect emotional expression through movement. Designed for use in a therapeutic playroom, the objects facilitate communication between the TCK and the therapist.
AT YOUR SERVICE - DRIVING THROUGH A PANDEMIC
In response to the global pandemic of Covid-19, the government of Qatar implemented a strict social distancing policy on residents to ensure minimum spread of the virus. However, amidst crisis, taxi drivers must continue to work in order to sustain themselves. In doing so, they leave their house every day to carry out their job, risking infection. Without any other options available to earn, continuing their job as taxi drivers is the only way they can earn during the pandemic.
This documentary follows the stories of Uber and Careem drivers who are still working despite quarantine or the risk to their health. Through their stories, the project highlights the impact of a global pandemic on the lifestyle of these cab drivers.
PAKISTANIZATION OF SOUQ AL-WAQIF
While researching how public spaces in Pakistan are momentarily used illegally for political campaigns, I developed a vision of how a street in Souq Al-Waqif in Qatar would look if the same scenario was applied to it.
ADAPTABILITY
The concept focuses on the behavior of a non-Newtonian fluid - oobleck, when different materials come into contact with it and how it adapts. The fluid in its natural form is runny, but when met with a force it behaves like a solid. The clip focuses on this unique adaptive quality of the fluid whilst allowing the audience to engage with it and drawing out their understanding of what they see.