Schiattarella Associati unveils Diriyah Art Futures: A Digital Art Hub in Saudi Arabia

 

Italian design firm introduces Diriyah Art Futures

Renowned architectural firm Schiattarella Associati has introduced Diriyah Art Futures, an innovative digital art "incubator" in Saudi Arabia dedicated to exhibitions, education, and art production. Spanning an expansive 12,800 square meters, the facility is strategically located northwest of Riyadh, in close proximity to a significant historical and archaeological site in the Arabian Peninsula.

Schiattarella Associati's design approach prioritizes a harmonious connection with the environment, not only considering the physical attributes of the surroundings but also engaging with the cultural values and historical memory of the location.

 

Second edition of "Biennial Al-Diriyah Foundation" to be held in February 2024

 

Inspired by the organic principles of traditional Najdi architecture, historically devised to withstand the challenging desert environment through ancient techniques, the project reinterprets key features such as massiveness, permeability, complexity, and human scale in a contemporary context. The design explores the intersections between identity and the future, drawing inspiration from the stark sunlight, dense shadows, and essential volumes characteristic of Najdi architecture.

Urban Integration Along the Wadi:

Positioned along a wadi cliff, the project aims to restore visual and physical continuity between the wadi and the upper part of the cliff, as well as between the agricultural and urban areas. Departing from the idea of a standalone building, Schiattarella Associati's architects envisioned creating a segment of the town reminiscent of the historical settlements of Diriyah along Wadi Hanifa. Predominantly below ground, the volumes emerge from the escarpment, forming a complex urban fabric. This cluster of volumes, characterized by a scale mirroring the landscape on the wadi side and a more human scale on the urban side, is permeable and features an articulated sequence of spaces. Openness extends not only towards the wadi but also internally, as public spaces seamlessly flow into the lobby and the triple-height entrance space without any thresholds.

 

Saudi Museum for Modern Art in JAX: A canvas of contemporary expression cmerges in Diriyah

 

Diriyah Art Futures: A Fusion of Heritage and Modernity:

Diriyah Art Futures, a groundbreaking center dedicated to digital arts, represents a harmonious integration of the Gulf Region's heritage with modernity. The majority of the building is situated underground, contributing to a unique and innovative architectural solution. This project is a collaborative effort between Schiattarella Associati, the Ministry of Culture, and the Diriyah Gate Development Authority. Diriyah Art Futures stands as the first-of-its-kind center in the Gulf Region, poised to make a significant impact on the intersection of digital arts, culture, and technology.

Source: https://www.designboom.com/