Diriyah Art Futures: A modern beacon for digital arts in Saudi Arabia
In Diriyah, a historic city known for its well-preserved mud-brick architecture, a new landmark has emerged dedicated to digital arts. Designed by the Rome-based firm Schiattarella Associati, Diriyah Art Futures is envisioned as an ‘open palimpsest’—a dynamic space that integrates education, exhibition, documentation, and research into a contemporary structure.
The 12,000-square-meter facility, commissioned by the Saudi Ministry of Culture, is situated near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif. The design reflects the Najdi architectural style, with narrow, austere volumes enveloped in Riyadh stone, echoing the traditional streets and buildings of the region. The complex serves as an extension of its historical context, with its deep, narrow passages resembling the organic layout of ancient Diriyah.
Perched on a rocky cliff above a verdant wadi, Diriyah Art Futures acts as a bridge between two distinct landscapes—the historic city center and the surrounding agricultural expanse. “It’s almost a liminal structure,” say Amedeo and Andrea Schiattarella, the studio’s founder and CEO, respectively. “Our goal was to restore visual and physical continuity between the urban fabric and the agricultural terrain.” The building’s sandy, angular walls provide both separation and connection, enhancing the sense of place.
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As part of Saudi Vision 2030, Diriyah Art Futures is a key element in a $62.2 billion development project aimed at diversifying the Kingdom’s economy and fostering new cultural and economic ecosystems. It is the first public building within this major initiative.
The architecture draws inspiration from traditional Najdi and desert architecture, emphasizing compactness and porosity. Deep, shaded passages mitigate the harsh desert sun, creating cool, protected spaces. The building’s innovative design includes wide stone staircases connecting two levels: the lower floor houses labs and workshops for digital art, while the upper floor features a cafeteria, administrative areas, and exhibition galleries. The cafeteria’s design, with its contemporary mashrabiya, mirrors traditional wind-carved stone walls, allowing light to create shadow play while preserving privacy.
The material palette includes Riyadh stone, steel, glass, concrete, and wood—materials that provide a modern twist on traditional aesthetics. “Digital art demands a unique environment,” explain the Schiattarella team. “While it’s often assumed that digital art requires minimal, dark spaces, the reality is more complex. The architecture must engage with the art, offering a space that is both functional and evocative.”
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Diriyah Art Futures stands as a testament to the intersection of heritage and modernity. It represents Saudi Arabia’s forward-looking vision while remaining deeply rooted in its cultural traditions. “Our challenge,” the Schiattarella team concludes, “was to experiment with architecture that transcends traditional forms and resonates with the essence of local culture, transforming it into a contemporary context. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s journey into the future while staying connected to its rich heritage.”
Source: https://www.stirworld.com/
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