Schiattarella Associati presents Diriyah Art Futures, a unique digital art center in Saudi Arabia that provides space for exhibitions, education, and artistic production. Spanning an area of 12,800 square meters, the center is located northwest of Riyadh, near a significant historical and archaeological site on the Arabian Peninsula. The Schiattarella Associati project aims to integrate with the surroundings, considering not only the physical characteristics of the context but also influencing cultural values and the memory of the location.
The center draws inspiration from the organic nature of traditional Nadji architecture, which was designed in ancient times to sustain human life in the harsh desert environment using ancient techniques. The project reinterprets distinctive features such as massiveness, permeability, complexity, and human scale in a contemporary context. The design explores intersections of identity and future, drawing from intense sunlight, dense shadows, and fundamental shapes that are characteristic of Nadji architecture.
Urban integration along the wadi
The project, located along the wadi cliff, focuses on restoring visual and physical coherence between the wadi and the upper part of the cliff, as well as between agricultural and urban areas. Instead of constructing a separate building, the architects from Schiattarella Associati decided to create a fragment of a place reminiscent of the historical settlements of Diriyah along Wadi Hanifa. Most of the structures are located below ground level, and the descending cliff volumes create a complex urban structure. This cluster of volumes, reflecting the landscape from the wadi side and adapting to human scale from the urban side, is permeable and features an elaborate spatial layout. Public spaces seamlessly blend into the lobby and spacious entrance without any thresholds, maintaining an open character both towards the wadi and internally.
This modern center is the first of its kind in the Gulf region, combining the region’s heritage with modernity. Diriyah Art Futures draws inspiration from tradition while proving that creating the future does not have to contradict the legacy of the past.
FAQ:
1. What is Diriyah Art Futures?
Diriyah Art Futures is a unique digital art center located in Saudi Arabia. The center provides space for exhibitions, education, and artistic production.
2. Where is Diriyah Art Futures located?
Diriyah Art Futures is located northwest of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, near a significant historical and archaeological site on the Arabian Peninsula.
3. What are the characteristics of traditional Nadji architecture that inspired Diriyah Art Futures?
Traditional Nadji architecture was designed in ancient times to sustain human life in the harsh desert environment using ancient techniques. The distinctive features of this architecture include massiveness, permeability, complexity, and human scale.
4. How did the architects from Schiattarella Associati integrate Diriyah Art Futures with the surrounding environment?
The architects decided to create a fragment of a place reminiscent of the historical settlements of Diriyah along Wadi Hanifa, restoring visual and physical coherence between the wadi and the upper part of the cliff, as well as between agricultural and urban areas.
5. What sets Diriyah Art Futures apart from other art centers in the Gulf region?
Diriyah Art Futures is the first of its kind in the Gulf region, combining the region’s heritage with modernity. The project takes inspiration from tradition while demonstrating that creating the future does not have to contradict the legacy of the past.
Definitions:
1. Diriyah Art Futures – a unique digital art center in Saudi Arabia that provides space for exhibitions, education, and artistic production.
2. Nadji – traditional architecture designed in ancient times to sustain human life in the harsh desert environment using ancient techniques.
3. Schiattarella Associati – the architectural firm responsible for the Diriyah Art Futures project.
Related links:
– Schiattarella Associati Official Website
– Diriyah Season
The source of the article is from the blog xn--campiahoy-p6a.es