International consultant Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) has won the contract to undertake the architectural, structural and mechanical and electrical design of the Qatar Broadcasting Services (QBS) complex in Doha, Qatar.

The client is the Qatar Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture.

The integrated broadcasting complex will consist of two towers housing administrative offices, flanked by two three-storey structures shaped like the wings of an airplane. These structures will contain five television studios, 12 radio studios, an international media centre, a news centre, workshops and ancillary services. PB will also be responsible for interior design, landscaping, utility services, master planning and broadcasting technology designs for the complex.

PB is due to complete the designs for the estimated œ40 million ($62.1 million) project in the third quarter of 2003.

Once designs are close to completion, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture will start pre-qualifying international contractors to carry out the main construction package.

Qatar's Radio and Television Corporation hopes to have the complex operational in time for the Doha Asian Games in December 2006.