Diriyah Biennale Foundation: Winners announced for the first AlMusalla Prize

 

Diriyah Biennale Foundation announces winners of AlMusalla Prize

The Diriyah Biennale Foundation has awarded the inaugural AlMusalla Prize to EAST Architecture Studio, working in collaboration with artist Rayyane Tabet and UK-based engineering firm AKT II. This prestigious architectural prize, part of the Islamic Arts Biennale, celebrates a creative and sustainable approach to designing a Musalla (prayer space) to be constructed at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The winning design features a modular structure inspired by traditional weaving practices, using sustainable materials from local date palms, including palm fronds and fibers. Emphasizing adaptability, the Musalla will be disassembled and reassembled at a new location after the four-month Biennale, reinforcing the project's commitment to sustainability and versatility.

 

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Chosen from a shortlist of esteemed architects, the design reflects Islamic values of community and unity in prayer while championing environmental sustainability. The Musalla incorporates architectural elements inspired by Jeddah’s historic AlBalad district, including an open central courtyard and prayer spaces that resemble a loom. The use of natural dyes and locally woven textiles further enriches its aesthetic, evoking the city’s cultural heritage. The structure is set within a landscape grid reminiscent of palm-tree plantations, highlighting its connection to the region.

The jury, led by Prince Nawaf Bin Ayyaf, commended the project for its seamless fusion of architecture, art, and engineering, along with its inclusive and community-centered design. The AlMusalla Prize serves as a prototype for sustainable, culturally-rooted architecture in the region.

 

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The Musalla will debut at the Islamic Arts Biennale, opening on January 25, 2025. Aya Al-Bakree, CEO of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, praised the team for blending creativity, sustainability, and cultural heritage, describing the Musalla as a reflective and inspiring space that fosters connection and contemplation.

Source: Saudi Gazette