Design Space AlUla

AlUla, (KSA) 2024
2024
Completed
Architecture

A new gallery, archive and workshop located in the heart of AlJadidah Arts District will open in 15 February 2024

We are thrilled to share the news about the launch of Design Space AlUla, a building designed by Giò Forma architects, Black Engineering and Craft - a new gallery, archive and workshop located in the heart of AlJadidah.

Design Space AlUla is set to become a catalyst for a diverse community of creative minds, generating dialogues between local and international networks of designers, architects and urban planners.

The inaugural exhibition Mawrid: Celebrating Inspired Design will open 15 February 2024 showcasing 10 design stories, including our,  that invite visitors behind the scenes, into the process of creative innovation that is driving the masterplan for the region in the 21st century.

AlJadidah Arts District, is the first permanent contemporary gallery space in Saudi Arabia, dedicated to showcasing the many incredible design initiatives across the region.

The building is shaped around the plaza, creating typical and luminous courtyards for the public realm. Shaped views continue the visitors experience from the Wadi walkway to the heart of the Gallery.

The building is cladded with a familiar yet modernised design of the breeze blocks pattern celebrating one of the most recognisable Al Jadidah designs.

After researching traditional Al Jadidah patterns, four were chosen and entered within an algorithm.

The algorithm consists of taking the four pattern seeds and distributing them within a grid that fills the façade. The choosen pattern is a dynamic and modern design rich in heritage.

Custom made corten steel curtains explore the transparency and permeability of the build-ing linking the open air museum to the indoor high level gallery space within the Al Jadidah art district.

Photos Courtesy of Shoayb Khattab

Design Space AlUla at dusk: glowing perforated metal facade under a deep overhanging roof, seen from the street – Design Space AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 2024 – architecture
Front elevation at dusk, the perforated screen lit from within beside a yellow neighbouring building – Design Space AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 2024 – architectureSide view at dusk of the lit perforated screen and deep roof overhang above a covered passage – Design Space AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 2024 – architecture
Low sun shining along the rust-toned perforated metal screen and stepped concrete paving – Design Space AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 2024 – architectureCourtyard framed by rust-coloured metal screens and fins, with AlUla's rocky cliffs behind – Design Space AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 2024 – architecture
Tree shadows cast on the rust-toned perforated metal screen above wide concrete steps – Design Space AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 2024 – architectureDetail of rust-coloured metal fins casting sharp shadows on a concrete floor – Design Space AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 2024 – architecture
Corner of the perforated metal screen and roof overhang, a white minaret and red rock outcrops behind – Design Space AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 2024 – architectureClose-up of the geometric perforated screen pattern above concrete steps, in sun and shade – Design Space AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 2024 – architecture
Glazed entrance between rust-coloured fins and perforated screens, long shadows across the concrete forecourt – Design Space AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 2024 – architecturePerson walking past the perforated screen facade in raking sunlight, under the deep roof overhang – Design Space AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 2024 – architecture
Wide concrete steps alongside the sunlit perforated screen, leading to the covered entrance – Design Space AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 2024 – architectureShadowed corner of the perforated screen with an ATHR sign in Arabic and English, light slanting across – Design Space AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 2024 – architecture