The Museum of Islamic Art made headlines when launched back in 2008, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect I.M. Pei. The edifice is a flawless blend of traditional Islamic aesthetics with the strong dynamism of its towers and high domed atrium. It is an iconic part of Doha, especially when taking into account the custom-built island to house the Museum. Unsurprisingly, the outer shell is prominently studied and documented by many architects and enthusiasts alike.

Photographer Rory Gardiner turned his gaze to the interior of the Museum, however the focus wasn’t on the galleries housing the ample scope of Islamic art from the last 1400 years. It’s all about the corridors, atriums and windows of the cultural institute. Paying close attention to details and with an attentive eye for the endless geometric design inside, the editorial at hand is a handsome exploration of the patterned limestones and the structure behind the stunning collections as main attractions.

Directing the view to a smaller scale brings forth an unexpected reward: stunning minimalist compositions, through surprising angles. Gardiner infuses a surprising level of visual subtlety as counterbalance to the heaviness of the material and the scale of the structure. A truly remarkable textbook example of an austere and mature contemplation, bringing light to underestimated elements and subtleties.

Photography by Rory Gardiner.