Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Services Provided: Architecture, Engineering, Landscape, Interior Design + Supervision
Project Status: Completed
Phase 1 Completion Date: 2013
Phase 2 Completion Date: 2019
Construction Cost:
Phase 1: 54,000,000 SAR
Phase 2: 8,387,200 SAR
Built-Up Area: 46,500 sqm
Affiliations: MK2 International
Challenge
The project involved the creation of the Ministry of Culture (MOC) building in Riyadh, with the challenge of maintaining a harmonious connection between the past and future. The design needed to respect and preserve the historical significance of the surrounding area, including the Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulwahab mosque and the Al Turaif district (a UNESCO World Heritage site), while creating a contemporary space for cultural activities. This required balancing the human scale of the building with the need to provide a functional, modern ministry, all while preserving visual access to the important heritage sites and integrating with the landscape of the surrounding wadi and Al Bujairi area.
Approach
The design approach was rooted in cultural sensitivity and historical preservation while embracing innovative modern design principles. Key strategies included:
Cultural & Religious Axis Alignment: The mosque remained the centerpiece of the complex, aligned along the Al Qibla religious axis, while the ministry building itself aligned with the cultural axis of Al Turaif, preserving the integrity of both the site and the surrounding heritage.
Human Scale and Public Access: To prevent overpowering the landscape and heritage site, the building’s form was designed to prioritize human scale. The sloping roof emerged from the ground, seamlessly extending the terraces and creating a public platform with stunning views of the Al Turaif area. The roof served as a communal space for social interaction, an open theater, and an observatory.
Reinterpretation of Traditional Elements: The courtyard became a central, transparent space designed to foster social interaction, with traditional architectural features (like the turma, or open light well) updated for modern, semi-public gatherings. This reinvention of a traditional feature enabled the space to offer lightness and openness, blending the introverted nature of traditional courtyards with the extroverted needs of contemporary culture.
Materiality & Continuity: The design honored traditional materials and textures while using modern construction techniques. This ensured that the building was both rooted in its historical context and a forward-thinking addition to the urban fabric of Riyadh.
Impact
The Ministry of Culture is a striking example of how historical significance can be beautifully integrated with contemporary architecture. The design successfully connects the past with the future, creating a cultural institution that respects the heritage of Al Turaif while adapting to modern needs. The building’s sloping roof has become a public gathering space, symbolizing the Ministry’s role as a bridge between cultures, eras, and social interaction. The ministry is now a key landmark in the Al Bujairi area, serving as both a functional government building and a cultural platform. This design sets a precedent for future projects that seek to integrate cultural heritage with modern architectural needs, while ensuring public accessibility and engagement with the landscape.
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