Organizations like QGBC, a member of Qatar Foundation, are vital in discussing different ideas as we tackle some of the challenges facing the world. Building Architecture is undergoing phenomenal changes. There is a great opportunity to design green buildings to make communities more sustainable. Qatar Green Building recently conducted the QGBC seminar on using green architecture to develop an environmentally sustainable and aesthetically beautiful city. 

"Now is an opportunity to challenge the way buildings are conceived and used. Now is the opportunity for them to become more sustainable" said Edouard Francois in a keynote speech. He believes in biotecture which uses plants and vegetation as an integral part of buildings. According to him "It is critical to understand that modernism has collapsed architecture has to change, it has to adapt to the way people live today and this is true everywhere throughout the world." His biotecture concept for cities combines and blurs buildings with a diverse ecology for indoor/outdoor living to all.

Francois had never visited Qatar before, but was impressed by what he saw. "Doha has a real chance to embrace biotecture. It's not only about building design and construction. The theory is as much about having the right attitude towards the challenges of sustainability. I have been amazed by what is going on in the city, there's both the passion and necessary patience in making things happen. Doha is trying to be something different and unique"

He states that even current buildings can be greened to meet changing use. Like plants used as as insulation on outer cladding to keep cool air in and heat out in summer. His aim is not promoting the greening of the desert. "Qatar's natural landscape is just that. It is home to its own delicate ecosystem. It's a habitat to flora and fauna and I could never advocate laying the desert to rows and rows of agricultural crops," he added. 

What he is suggesting is the greening of buildings within Qatar's cities by the planting of walls, roofs, and balconies in the places people live and work. Greening of buildings can alter humidity levels. The humidity creates a cool bubble around the building while providing insulation to lower cool air loss from the building.

Doha is trying to integrate art and culture in design to create outstanding buildings which add local value to sustainability.

Francois has a vision for the "green cloud". This changes the current way of high-rise living. The green cloud is a high-rise building is made by community green space and gardens for people to relax, socialize, and grow their own food.