Latest news with #AsaanMuseum
CairoScene
19-06-2025
- General
- CairoScene
Zaha Hadid Architects Begin Mud-Brick Asaan Museum Project in Diriyah
Zaha Hadid Architects Begin Mud-Brick Asaan Museum Project in Diriyah In the sunbaked heart of Diriyah, where mud-brick silhouettes rise from the desert like echoes of centuries past, a new architectural landmark is taking shape. Zaha Hadid Architects have broken ground on the Asaan Museum, a project that reimagines the relationship between heritage and contemporary design within Saudi Arabia's UNESCO-listed At-Turaif district. Asaan is conceived as a cultural anchor and a testament to architectural innovation. Its name, derived from the Arabic word for 'inheritance passed down through generations,' is reflected in every aspect of the design. Marking Zaha Hadid Architects' first-ever mud-brick construction, the museum is built from locally sourced clay bricks, a deliberate homage to the Najdi building traditions that have defined the region for centuries. The design demonstrates a nuanced sensitivity to context: thick, low-carbon mud-brick walls provide natural insulation, ensuring cool interiors and reduced energy consumption in the desert climate. Central to the museum's spatial experience are three shaded courtyards, dedicated to Education, Arts, and Administration each. These courtyards serve as climatic buffers and vibrant gathering spaces, sheltered beneath a network of canopies that weave together gardens, plazas, and rooftop promenades. This approach blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior, forging a seamless connection to Diriyah's historic urban fabric and inviting the public to engage with the museum on multiple levels. Inside, the Asaan Museum offers more than static displays. Visitors will encounter exhibitions, workshops, and conservation laboratories, all designed to safeguard and celebrate Saudi Arabia's archaeological treasures for future generations. Supported by the Misk Foundation and integrated into the ambitious Diriyah Gate masterplan, the museum aspires to be a hub for cultural exchange and education, a place where tradition and innovation meet. While Zaha Hadid Architects' signature fluidity is present, it is thoughtfully grounded by the tactile honesty of mud-brick, the very material that built Diriyah's past - and now, lays the foundation for its future.
CairoScene
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
New Asaan Museum to Showcase Saudi Heritage in Diriyah
Supported by the Misk Foundation, the museum will house thousands of artefacts, as well as play host to art exhibitions and galleries. Princess Sara bint Mashour bin Abdulaziz has announced the launch of the Asaan Museum, which will showcase Saudi Arabia's heritage and culture in Diriyah. The museum is due to officially open in the coming years. "Our goal is to cultivate a generation that takes pride in its heritage and actively works to preserve and revitalise it,' Princess Sara bint Mashour bin Abdulaziz said during the announcement. 'Asaan will showcase the Kingdom's rich legacy, including artifacts, customs, and societal values. This commitment reflects our national identity, connects our past with the present, and ensures that our heritage is sustained for future generations." Backed by the Misk Foundation, Asaan will cover more than 40,000 square metres and will feature designs of the architecture firm Zaha Hadid Architects, combining traditional Najidi style with contemporary influences. The museum will house thousands of artefacts, as well as play host to permanent art exhibitions and galleries. It will also incorporate an arts courtyard and 'Asaan's Majlis', a space reserved for dialogue, workshops and discussions.
