Design unveiled for new Grand Mosque at Diriyah Gate Development in Saudi Arabia

 

X Architects unveils design for Grand Mosque at Diriyah Gate Development 

Set within the historic district of Diriyah, recognized as the birthplace of the first Saudi state, X Architects has unveiled designs for a new Grand Mosque that will anchor the Diriyah Gate II development. The project forms part of a broader transformation turning the district into a major cultural destination in Riyadh, blending heritage preservation with large-scale urban redevelopment that includes museums, civic institutions, residential neighborhoods, and public spaces.

The mosque is positioned between the main boulevard and Wadi Hanifah, creating a strong visual and physical connection between the urban fabric and the valley. Rather than a singular monumental object, the design unfolds as a sequence of open and enclosed spaces. Plazas, shaded walkways, and landscaped terraces guide visitors across the site, connecting street level to the natural topography while supporting circulation and public gathering.

 

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A recessed entrance leads into a shaded forecourt linking the boulevard with the mosque interior. This threshold opens onto a central courtyard and adjacent plaza, designed to host large congregational events as well as daily activities. Colonnaded edges and planted areas create a permeable boundary, ensuring the complex remains accessible beyond prayer times and integrates seamlessly with the surrounding public realm.

The mosque will accommodate approximately 11,400 worshippers across a built area of 12,300 square meters on a 21,690-square-meter site. Beyond the main prayer halls, the complex includes classrooms, a library, and other community spaces, encouraging continuous use throughout the day.

Architecturally, the mosque draws inspiration from traditional Najdi architecture, incorporating compact massing, thick walls, and articulated rooflines. These elements are translated into a contemporary construction system featuring a layered facade of prefabricated panels. The lattice envelope filters daylight, reduces solar gain, and creates a consistent architectural rhythm along the boulevard. Interior spaces are organized for clarity at scale, with natural light enhancing orientation in the main prayer halls, while secondary functions open onto planted courtyards for ventilation and illumination. Continuous circulation accommodates both large congregations and smaller, more localized gatherings.

 

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In line with Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs guidelines, the mosque includes full facilities, such as separate prayer areas and ablution spaces, and is designed for accessibility, with step-free circulation and direct connections to surrounding transport networks. Situated along a primary urban axis, the mosque will serve both local residents and visitors, reinforcing Diriyah’s role as a cultural hub.

Diriyah is currently undergoing extensive redevelopment. Nearby projects include Zaha Hadid Architects’ Asaan Museum in the At-Turaif district, HKS Architects’ 20,000-seat multisport arena, and Snøhetta’s Royal Diriyah Opera House, highlighting the district’s emergence as a mixed cultural and entertainment destination aligned with Saudi Arabia’s broader development vision.

Source: https://www.archdaily.com/