Layali Diriyah providing providing entertainment to diverse visitors
Layali Diriyah stands as a radiant testament to festivity
and transformation within the historic confines of Diriyah. Now in its second
iteration, this two-month-long annual celebration kicked off on March 18 and
will continue until April 1, orchestrated by Designlab Experience—a creative
studio with offices in Dubai, Riyadh, and Beirut. What was once a 35,000 square
meter palm tree farm has blossomed into a sprawling boulevard and exhibition
space, nurturing heritage, cuisine, art, and entertainment while attracting
over 110,000 visitors. Designlab Experience has envisioned this 40,000 square
meter open-air park of Al-Bujairi as a dazzling spectacle for the Diriyah
Season.
Drawing inspiration from local Najdi architecture, the
structures and installations within the park pay homage to the region's rich
artistic and architectural legacy. A fusion of cultural symbolism, aesthetics,
and ambiance is expressed through the use of indigenous materials like wood,
metal, and rope, echoing the ancient mud architecture of Najdi—the
UNESCO-protected site that is part of Diriyah's town and immediate context. The
studio's meticulous planning process involved a detailed survey of the position
and dimensions of existing palm trees, enabling the team to strategically lay
out the site's various functions while adapting to and capitalizing on the
trees. For instance, architects constructed elevated platforms around the palm
trees to safeguard the farm's irrigation system.
Diriyah
Season spotlights the living heritage of the kingdom's birthplace
Guests embark on their journey by entering a sleek wooden
tunnel, characterized by a series of vertical members with gaps between each
frame. These members create semi-transparent spaces, offering glimpses of the
illuminated farm bursting with festivities.
The fluid circulation in the master plan ensures effortless
navigation, with retail and dining venues strategically nestled amidst the palm
trees. Charming treehouses add a playful touch while serving as spaces to
showcase products from homegrown brands and local retailers. The dining venues
are adorned with intricate motifs reminiscent of traditional Diriyah doors,
offering a sensory delight. Engraved patterns on wooden panels and digitally
printed designs embellish the structural elements.
Layali Diriyah presents a diverse array of experiences, from
farm-to-table restaurants to shisha cafes, pop-up markets, luxury boutiques,
art installations, immersive exhibits, live entertainment, workshops, and
children's activities. The venue pays homage to its historic surroundings with
an earthy color palette and the inclusion of local art and iconography while
integrating modern technology into its programs. There is a clear emphasis on
the country's development and its commitment to international exchange.
Diriyah
Nights Returns: A two-month extravaganza of culture, cuisine, and entertainment
The addition of new art installations and immersive digital
experiences adds another layer of enchantment to Layali Diriyah. Fragments of
Diriyah, a digital exhibit projecting the vision of the Diriyah Gate
Development Authority, offers insights into the area's evolution and imagined
future. Collaborations with international artists further enrich the festival
experience. For instance, "From This Earth" by Dubai-based duo Karim
+ Elias is a walk-through sand structure that symbolizes the sound of leaves
using gold reflective material.
Karim + Elias' contribution pays homage to the architectural
heritage of Diriyah, aptly known as 'the city of earth' for its earth architecture.
"From This Earth" comprises over 1,400 modular earthen spheres,
meticulously hand-sculpted and stacked to form a series of earthen screens.
These porous surfaces symbolize a contemporary interpretation of the
traditional 'mashrabiya', an iconic element of vernacular architecture in
Islamic regions. Thus, this installation seamlessly integrates into the
narrative and cultural tapestry of Layali Diriyah.
Transient though it may be, Layali Diriyah epitomizes the
potential of temporary architecture in urban development and community
revitalization. As visitors wander through this luminous wonderland, they are
not merely spectators but active participants in a journey through time,
culture, and creativity.
Source: https://www.stirworld.com/
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